Torque-nique?

[KevAndAndi]

I will be going over the suspension and torqueing bolts, particularly those attached to the cross member. What is the best way to go about this? Is it as simple as putting the torque wrench on it, or should the bolt be hit with PB Blaster? Should a bolt be loosened slightly before being torqued up? Is it possible for a bolt to be stuck, but not tight, leading one to think by a torque wrench click, erroneously, that the bolt is at the correct torque?

Am I over-thinking this, or is there in fact a technique? I have all the correct torque specs, so I'm all set in that department.

Also, shouldn't thread locker be used on the cross member connectors, given the possible ramifications of loose bolts?

[fiatfactory]

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[focodave]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGhLQlWEKIo

[DieselSpider]

When you over tighten the bolts will start to stretch and at times by a surprisingly large amount and then they won't ever give the correct amount of clamping force again requiring that they be replaced. Thread locker can just make this worse.

Make sure the threads are clean and have a good torque lube on them and check them for proper torque at every oil change.

Eli's suspension primer is a good read and has the torque specs.
http://www.mirafiori.com/124susp/

[KevAndAndi]

Thanks, all. I have that suspension primer; it's a great help, but I found that some of the cross member connectors are not as accessible as I thought.

I also found that most of the bushings in the front end are in sorry shape. The upper control arms look new, and also maybe the ball joint in the lowers; everything else looks original. Now looking at replacing the lower control arms in their entirety, as well as sway bar bushings.