Take up the gap between con-rods with a feeler gauge when torquing.
Is this to keep the bearings/cap/rod square to the journal and arrive at a more precise torque value, and obviously less of a chance to distort the bearings?
When torquing the rod bolt it will twist the rod on the journal and possibly bind the bearing against the journal surface, damaging the bearing. It's more prevalent when con-rod side clearance is excessive or greater than factory specs which is common with aftermarket con-rods.
