mrduster

Hello. Well, I'm starting to reassemble parts that have been removed from the Miata in preparation for my engine delivery. I've seen some discussion forums talking about the final torque settings for suspension parts to be done on the ground with the car completed and on tires. Is this correct? If so, any tips on how to get under there without a lift?
I guess I'm specifically asking about things like upper and lower wishbones and sway bars. Mainly the front suspension.

Thanks again guys.

tbone heller

If you install poly bushings, it should not matter. The arms will not bind up while tightening them. The lower control arms will have to be loosened & re-torqued during the wheel alignment procedure.

Al English

Final torquing on the ground isn't the concern. Tightening with the car on the ground is the issue. The reason is; stock type bushings accommodate suspension movement by flexing. If the bushing bolts are tightened with the suspension hanging they will be twisted when the car is sitting at normal ride height. That is bad for the bushings, an it can cause ride height irregularities. Some aftermarket bushings actually pivot rather than twist, others twist. Any bushing that pivots rather than twist can be tightened with the suspension hanging. Otherwise, do it with the car's full weight on the suspension.

charchri4

+1 to what Al said. You really should have it sitting on the wheels. Just make or buy a set of ramps and put the back on blocks and you will be good to go. If you want to see my ramps I did a write up a while back on them.