Rear shock bushing compression

[tucktuck8]

So i just replaced my rear shocks with some 5100. the top bolts are supposed to be torqued to 18 ft lbs but there is no room for a torque wrench.

Does anyone have a picture or instructions on how to properly tighten the top bolt without the use of a torque wrench? my bushings look a bit smooshed.

 

[tucktuck8]

Common, I know someone has some insight with all the lifted runners in here...

 

[preacher35]

Common, I know someone has some insight with all the lifted runners in here...

Yes, tucktuck. I had the same problem. When all is said and done, I had to "wing it" with a ratcheted box end. The box end fit in that small place when nothing else would and I simply tightened it as hard as I could with my bare hands on the ratcheted box end. That was about a little over a year ago and no problems since. I check all of my suspension bolts/nuts about every six months now just to be sure. Short of cutting sheet metal, you will NEVER be able to get a torque wrench in there.

 

[ChaosStarter]

Yes, tucktuck. I had the same problem. When all is said and done, I had to "wing it" with a ratcheted box end. The box end fit in that small place when nothing else would and I simply tightened it as hard as I could with my bare hands on the ratcheted box end. That was about a little over a year ago and no problems since. I check all of my suspension bolts/nuts about every six months now just to be sure. Short of cutting sheet metal, you will NEVER be able to get a torque wrench in there.

Unless you have a set of crows-feet sockets.

 

[Tooltime19]

Use your common sense and tighten it down enough so that you dont squish the rubber bushings out further than the shock bushing metal washers. LOL If it looks like they are bulging out and ready to pop, they are probably too tight.

 

[NeilC]

I might be exposing my red-deckedness, but I have never heard of torquing shock bolts. Much less to 18 ft/lbs. I can guarantee you mine are tighter than that.

 

[340W]

I don't know what the exact figure is, but it's really hard to get a torque wrench in there. When I out mine on, I just tightened them down to "hand firm" when the bushings just lightly started to compress.

You don't want them too tight, as the effectiveness of the bushings is decreased and the shocks won't ride as they should. You'd be surprised how little torque you have to apply for it to be to spec.