Hi all,

I plan to install my new 440 and totally rebuilt front suspension this Saturday. I seem to recall reading several years ago that new front suspension pieces should be tightened and/or have load put on them in a specific order. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find what I'm looking for anywhere online. If this is true, can someone please point me to the correct document or instructions? Thanks for any help.

Roger

I don't know what else might be important but I do know the lower control arm mounting bolts should not be torqued until the car is at ride height.

^^^ what he said. Have the FSM? Weight of vehicle on ground for some things but most can be done before though

ball joints can be tightened at any time.

same with tie rodspitman and idler arms too.

Only the UCA and LCA nuts need be tightened with the normal ride weight in them. You don;t want to preload the bushings.

front suspension parts tightened with the car's weight on them :
upper and lower control arms pivot points
sway bar mounts and end links [unless using poly pivot bushings]
strut rod forward mounts
lower shock mounts [unless using poly bushings]

rear suspension parts tightened with weight on them :
front and rear spring mounts
shock mounts [unless using poly bushings]

this will give you the longest life on these components.

Thanks, guys. It's been several years, so I guess I was trying to make it more difficult than it actually is. Makes perfect sense when you think about it. Thanks!

And after the car has been rolled back and forth to settle the suspension (unless lowered on skid plates).

you are correct john. i forgot to add this part. it's important !

The LCA pivot is the most important thing to remember. I tighten it down and then back the nut off just enough so it can rotate when the weight is put on it. If its tightened before the car is lowered it will rip the bushing.