Suspension Torquing
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 114
Likes: 14
From: Greenwell Springs, LA
Suspension Torquing
I've completed the replacement or rebuild of almost all of the suspension on my 69 coupe with 427 and 4sp (including trailing arms and control arms). New parts are as nearly original as possible.
I understand that the torque of some components shouldn't be set until the car is on the ground. The work was performed while the car was on four jackstands. The car is now on four ramps. I have the original service manual and AIM, so I can find the torque settings for each component. To help me avoid having to search through each book (because I'm lazy), can someone provide or point to a list of components I can torque now that the car is on its wheels? I imagine the sequence might be important as well.
The riding height at the front and rear are significantly higher than specs. I understand that the car will "settle down" some after riding around, but I'd like to get closer to specs before driving. The engine is full of oil and antifreeze (no hood yet). About five gallons of gasoline in the tank and about 40 pounds of extra weight sitting on the rear deck to simulate the spare tire and carrier. I will definitely take the car for a professional alignment after torques are set.
Thanks
Mike
I understand that the torque of some components shouldn't be set until the car is on the ground. The work was performed while the car was on four jackstands. The car is now on four ramps. I have the original service manual and AIM, so I can find the torque settings for each component. To help me avoid having to search through each book (because I'm lazy), can someone provide or point to a list of components I can torque now that the car is on its wheels? I imagine the sequence might be important as well.
The riding height at the front and rear are significantly higher than specs. I understand that the car will "settle down" some after riding around, but I'd like to get closer to specs before driving. The engine is full of oil and antifreeze (no hood yet). About five gallons of gasoline in the tank and about 40 pounds of extra weight sitting on the rear deck to simulate the spare tire and carrier. I will definitely take the car for a professional alignment after torques are set.
Thanks
Mike
Old Fart Pilot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 971
From: Spokane, WA
As MELWFF mentioned, Rear spring to diff bolts and fwd control arm bushings (upper and lower) plus these (for my '71):
TA bolts after alignment shims installed
Rear Camber adjustment bolts
Rear shock lower nuts
Front stabilizer mount bushing bolts
Stabilizer bar link bolts
Those are all I can think of tonight, but I think that's most of them.
Not sure if order matters, but I think I'll do mine in the order listed.
TA bolts after alignment shims installed
Rear Camber adjustment bolts
Rear shock lower nuts
Front stabilizer mount bushing bolts
Stabilizer bar link bolts
Those are all I can think of tonight, but I think that's most of them.
Not sure if order matters, but I think I'll do mine in the order listed.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
Not that it's on its wheels, you should be able to torque everything. Bounce the suspension a few times, though.
What rear spring did you use? That is a common source of "unsettled appearance".
What rear spring did you use? That is a common source of "unsettled appearance".
