Control arm torquing

[rlmiller]

Apparently the manuals call for ( 2 people plus 130lbs of luggage) simulated weight in the car when you finally torque down the control arms, which appears to be their version of normal driving weight. In my case normal driving weight would be 300 lbs in the driver seat, no passenger, maybe 10 lbs in the back seat (cooler), and maybe 20 lbs in the trunk.

should I follow the manuals directions, or simulate my normal diving weight?

[azruss]

When the control arms are tightened, all the movement comes through the bushing being flexed. If the car is set up factory and you are the only one in the car, then the bushings on the drivers side flex more and thus have more resistance to lean. If you set the car with the lean included, then you will have more lean rather than less lean. This will make for less bushing wear but would have an adverse effect on handling. There are many that add an extra set of long control arms to act like an anti-sway bar. (double the bushing resistance).
BTW, where in SE washington are you located. I am familiar with the area.

[rlmiller]

That makes sense. If i set it with my weight and no passenger weight i suspect the car might have a considerable lean once I sat down, not having the bushings assist in fighting that lean.

I am in Dayton, just NE of Walla Walla. Grew up in Richland. How are you familiar with the area?

[azruss]

Grew up in Spokane, went to school at Wazzu. Visited Richland on a few occasions while in High School. I know i've been to Dayton, but my old man memory doesn't remember when or why. Went to several small towns in SE Washington for musical performances. The family owns a wheat farm outside Endicott. Spent many an hour partying in Lewiston. (Awesome beach the size of a football field that is now under water). My brother-in-law went to Whitman.

[rlmiller]

Small world! I worked in Whitman county for part of a year in the late 80's. Is the beach your talking about "the Dunes" across from Boyer Park? and my favorite homebrew supply store is in Spokane. Now my wifes Aunt and Uncle have moved to Chandler from kettle Falls, North of Spokane, so we have gone to AZ a couple of times, but not yet with the spider.