Front LCA torque - Jack stands

[TrustWonUSA]

Is it acceptable to torque the Front LCA if the axle is sitting on 2 jack stands?

Is 190lbs the straight torques value most are using for the axle/frame ends of the LCA?

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[kah.mun.rah]

It depends on the joint of the CA. Best practice and for most CA joint designs, they should be torqued when the Jeeps is on the ground sitting in it's natural, level position. Imagine tightening suspenders for your pants while bent over and then trying to stand up. With the Jeep in the air you might tighten a bushing in a flex position and then twist or damage it when lowered to the natural ride weight/position. Torque value can also vary depending on the brand of CA. If you can't find the specific value for your brand of LCA, I think 190 ftlb is the factory torque for both ends of the LCA.

 

[Red Rubi 22]

I had the front tires on auto ramps and torqued mine. I became sick and tired of them not holding the torque value I bought brand new bolts and nuts. Been good ever since.

 

[TrustWonUSA]

It depends on the joint of the CA. Best practice and for most CA joint designs, they should be torqued when the Jeeps is on the ground sitting in it's natural position. Otherwise you might tighten a bushing in a flex position and then twist or damage it when lowered to the natural ride weight/position. Torque value can also vary depending on the brand of CA. If you can't find the specific value for your brand of LCA, I think 190 ftlb is the factory torque for both ends of the LCA.

They are the Mopar one from the 2” lift.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

They are the Mopar one from the 2” lift.

I am pretty sure that it is 190 ftlb on both ends, and you will want to torque them when the Jeep is sitting on the ground. Do you still have the kit instructions? There should be a torque chart included with it.

 

[Red Rubi 22]

They are the Mopar one from the 2” lift.

Then on the ground or on auto ramps should be acceptable. Want the vehicle on its own weight.

 

[GaryToo]

Any way ya want to do it as long as the axle has the weight of the vehicle on it with OE type bushings With rotating bushing in the control arms it makes no difference how ya tighten them they will find their neutral position and not bind or twist

 

[Reinen]

Vehicle weight on the tires would be preferable and safer. Axles on jack stands would be in "close enough" range if the Jeep is level but not 100% equivalent.

 

[jadmt]

If your axle tubes are on jackstands that is supporting the weight

 

[jadmt]

I doubt yiur vehicle’s joints are going to notice a couple degree difference. I pull up on ramps so i can use my long handled torq wrench

 

[Megawatt]

I use a jack under the torque wrench to get the 190# with the limited clearance of Jeep on the wheels.

 

[TrustWonUSA]

I think I have an answer for my old weak a$$ - I found a 1/2” torque stick ! 175ftlb. I can use this laying on the ground next to a cold one and be done in a few minutes tops.

 

[Terrymo]

For some jobs you need to put on your big girl panties and break out your 48 inch torque wrench. Pic just for dramatic effect.

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[Trails]

Does anyone use Blue LocTite on their LCA bolts/nuts? Never heard of anyone doing that, but whondered if it would help prevent thread loosening. Obviously, it would not prevent loosening / play caused by bushing wear, but I mean prevent loosening of the threads.

 

[limeade]

If your axle tubes are on jackstands that is supporting the weight

This is the correct answer. There is no difference in the sprung weight of the vehicle whether it's on the tires or if the axles are supported by jack stands. I've done this multiple times and with many different vehicles. It works very well to gain a lot of clearance to torque the suspension bolts.

You don't want to put the jack stands under the frame rails though.

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