How do you torque the top bolts for the strut?

Question for all you DIYers. How did you tighten the top bolts to proper torque? Is there a tool I'm missing out on? Or are we talking about using that elbow grease? Please let me know. Going to be installing a Westcottdesigns TRD Pro lift kit soon.

 

I can get a torque wrench on 2 of them with a shorty socket. The 3rd one is impossible. I just snug them up real good and check again after 100 miles or so.

 

Elbow grease or get a crows foot that fits the bolt and attaches to the torquewrench.. Just don't compress/ crush the bushing beyond the washer.

 

The nuts to the truck? or the single nut on the shock rod?

I use a long 14mm wrench. Elbow grease. They easily get dirty so I use very little lubricant on them. It's not a bad idea to re-tighten them after a few days.

The shock rod nut I just crush the bushing until it bows like it did before.

 

Okay good that third one was the one I was most concerned about! I didn't know if anyone had some sort of trick on getting it torqued.

 

Not the single nut but the one that sits furthest away from the wheel well.

 

Same here. The last one goes on German tight.

 

Yall ever try a crows foot? Like Jacado mentioned earlier?

 

I thought about it, but I didn't want to buy a set of tools I'll barely use. I just add it to my list of things to check during regular maintenance.

 

I never tried it, its just the proper tool.

I have always used the German method

 

I’ll have to run out and see if you can get a crows foot on it.
But it seems like it would be too short, and if it’s not lined up right, and open end might not work.

I ordered a 17mm torque extension when I did my hubs. (12 point boxed end)
Worked great.

 

And No, I didn’t reduce the torque like you “should”.
Before someone mentions it.

 

I need to install the same kit...I'm mostly wondering when I know when to stop tightening...like do I could the visible threads and stop after a couple?

 

‘Get a cheap set from Harbor Freight. You don’t use them much.

 

I just used a box end wrench on that one. I think a crow's foot will alter the torque reading anyways.

 

Don't sweat about. Torque by hand and put a mark on the side. Put a 1/4 turn after a few miles. It wont go anywhere

 

Can torque front bolts. Measure exposed bolt. Match third to it.