Spindle & coil install question

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I'm working on a C-10. The control arms are original, the spindles drop 2.5", the coil springs are the original height, and the rest is Moog suspension.

I can't lift the truck, there's no weight on the frame. I could wait for the engine, but I'd like to try it with this interior compressor I picked up, and finish the suspension already. My question may be too obvious, but I'll ask. It strikes me I should torque the ball joints onto the spindle and then release the coil spring. Any reason why you'd want to leave some play, and finish torque after the coil spring is released? Thank you.........


Finished the control arms today.

[Andyking1203]

I dont see why you cant tighten things up then release the tension.. as for the removen the jack from under the a arm, I'd use a ratchet strap hooked to the frame and the jack in order to compress the spring.. just my 2 cents

[77c10bowtie]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I'm working on a C-10. The control arms are original, the spindles drop 2.5", the coil springs are the original height, and the rest is Moog suspension.

I can't lift the truck, there's no weight on the frame. I could wait for the engine, but I'd like to try it with this interior compressor I picked up, and finish the suspension already. My question may be too obvious, but I'll ask. It strikes me I should torque the ball joints onto the spindle and then release the coil spring. Any reason why you'd want to leave some play, and finish torque after the coil spring is released? Thank you.........


Finished the control arms today.

the only time i worry about finishing tightening a bolt is when rubber or urethane bushings come into play because you can tear or bind them up if torqued at the the wrong angle.
for a balljoint it wouldn't hurt either way as long as the boot isn't twisted up.
fwiw i tightened thousands of balljoints on a lift on cars over the years working at a dealership.