Proper way to install lower control arms?

[dodge68charger]

I have my engine out of the car on an engine cradle with the transmission hooked up to the frame crossmember. I want to install the lower control arms before i lift the engine into the car. Whats the best way to go about installing the lower control arms? Do i leave them loose, torque them? I heard your supposed to torque them with the wight of the car on the suspension but how would you even get under the car to do that to 150 ft lbs. its hard enought to get that done with lots of room. Thanks

 

[WileE]

Use car ramps. So you have the weight on the suspension. Tighten to 130 ft-lbs.

 

[dodge68charger]

Should i just snug everything till i get the weight on the car? Or keep it loose? Thanks

 

[Kern Dog]

I'd get the lower control arm bolt through the K member and run the bolt about half way on. Leave the LCAs loose until the ride height is set. With urethane bushings, you could go ahead and snug down the nut. this is because the bushing moves with the locating pin/bolt. The rubber bushings do not. They twist with every move of the suspension.
Access isn't too difficult if you have a few extensions and/or a U-joint for the 1/2" drive. I've never known of the torque setting! I always just snug it down and call it good.

 

[miller]

Kern Dog is on the mark.

Also need the weight of the engine in place, before adjusting ride height...torsion bars. I prefer using the rubber bushings on the LCAs, for proper 'flex', and wait until ride height is adjusted before torquing the nuts. That just sets the proper range of movement on those bushings, with no bind.