Question on final torquing of suspension components

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I've just finally taken my 69 coupe chassis off of the rotisserie and I'm wondering what has to be on it in order to do the final torque on the various suspension parts that require the suspension to be "loaded" in order to torque. Is it enough to just have the chassis sitting on its tires? Or does it need the motor/tranny in it too? Or does it also need the body to be mounted?

Thanks,
Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on final torquing of suspension components

Guys,

I've just finally taken my 69 coupe chassis off of the rotisserie and I'm wondering what has to be on it in order to do the final torque on the various suspension parts that require the suspension to be "loaded" in order to torque. Is it enough to just have the chassis sitting on its tires? Or does it need the motor/tranny in it too? Or does it also need the body to be mounted?

Thanks,
Mike

Mike------


It needs to be at its full curb weight and suspension normalized. So, don't torque fasteners until the car is complete, on its wheels, and moved on its wheels enough to normalize the suspension.

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on final torquing of suspension components

It needs to be fully assembled just like it was at the end of the assembly line.

[Anthony F.]

Re: Question on final torquing of suspension components

Here is a link to a youtube video that might be helpful, it gives a visual explanation of what the other poster's describe ( about 6 minutes in ).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbQpRtPfI5o

[Ed S.]

Re: Question on final torquing of suspension components

I have heard many say "do not torque certain bolts of the rear suspension until the full weight of the car is on the suspension". The AIM (in my case a 64) also identifies which rear suspension fasteners are not to be torqued until the car is sitting on its wheels.

My question is - how much do you tighten the bolts? I suspect "hand tight" is not the correct answer but should they be secured to half the recommended torque value, or more or less? I have never read or heard anyone state to what value should the rear suspension bolts be tightened to until you get the car on the ground?

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on final torquing of suspension components

I have heard many say "do not torque certain bolts of the rear suspension until the full weight of the car is on the suspension". The AIM (in my case a 64) also identifies which rear suspension fasteners are not to be torqued until the car is sitting on its wheels.

My question is - how much do you tighten the bolts? I suspect "hand tight" is not the correct answer but should they be secured to half the recommended torque value, or more or less? I have never read or heard anyone state to what value should the rear suspension bolts be tightened to until you get the car on the ground?

Ed------


I would say hand-tight and then backed off 1/2 turn. Also, it's not correct to torque to spec when the car is first sitting on its wheels. The suspension has to be NORMALIZED. That means it needs to be MOVED on the wheels at least for a short distance.

[Ed S.]

Re: Question on final torquing of suspension components

Ed------


I would say hand-tight and then backed off 1/2 turn. Also, it's not correct to torque to spec when the car is first sitting on its wheels. The suspension has to be NORMALIZED. That means it needs to be MOVED on the wheels at least for a short distance.

Joe - thanks for the quick reply - I was aware of the "normalizing" step, should have mentioned that when I posted my question. You say "hand tight then a half turn back" ---- really! Isn't that a bit loose? I apologize for questioning your expertise but just want to confirm that is what you intended to say. Thanks again.

Jo

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on final torquing of suspension components

Joe - thanks for the quick reply - I was aware of the "normalizing" step, should have mentioned that when I posted my question. You say "hand tight then a half turn back" ---- really! Isn't that a bit loose? I apologize for questioning your expertise but just want to confirm that is what you intended to say. Thanks again.

Jo

Ed-------

Yes, it's a bit loose but I want to be very careful not to pre-load any of the bushings. Pre-loading them is a very bad thing. Backing off a quarter of a turn would probably be OK, though. Keep in mind that when the car is being assembled, tightening, even hand tightening, of the various suspension parts is not important. So, leaving them a bit loose is not going to hurt anything.