Control arm torque

[snownsand]

I've just finished installing new CAs, tie rods, etc on my '78 spider but haven't torqued the CA bolts yet. Maybe a silly question but I was wondering if it would work to place jack stands under the lower CA/ball joint then level the rear, weight the car and torque the CAs with the tires off. Seems that would be a lot easier access to the bolts then trying to do it from under the car.
Thanks, Steve

[fiat218]

72 ft pounds I believe
This is what I was told, someone may have a different opinion

[4uall]

check out my post

http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... a&start=15

this may help as well

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/sp ... l_Arms.htm

[snownsand]

Thanks for the links. I remember reading your post describing the ordeal you went through, almost made me decide not to rebuild my front end. I had seen, printed and followed the Mira link you posted while doing mine.
I guess to simplify my question - is the weight of the car on jack stands under the lower CAs the same as the weight of the car sitting on wheels as long as the car is level?

[RRoller123]

Out at the ball joints, yes, close enough.

[snownsand]

Thanks Roller. Unless others chime and saying don't be an idiot, get under that car and torque em, I'll probably go with the jack stands.

[azruss]

you just need the stands to keep the car level. May want to put all 4 corners on stands and retorque the rear trailing arms at the same time.

[RRoller123]

good idea, and level it must be too.

[majicwrench]

LIke RRoller said, get jack stands as far out toward BJ as you can. Weight car before setting jack stands, the stands (hopefully!) are not going to move and the car cannot settle further once it is sitting on the stands.
Keith

[snownsand]

I'm going to give it a shot. Weight car, level up on jack stands, torque - Done!
I'll check the angle of the CAs to horizontal on the stands compared to on tires 1st to make sure it's close.
Thanks, Steve