I have read that the part where the front shock mounts to the LCA is to be torqued at 351 ft-lb. Can anyone verify if this is correct? It seems a bit high to me.

 

wow! I dont think so.... Alot of people install their own spacer kits and lowering kits on their trucks... I did... There is no way I torqued it down that hard... I dont even think I could without a 3 foot cheater bar...

I may be overestimating a little.. but mines not that tight and my shocks are still attached to the lower control arms.

 

Directly from ford service manual...

Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly
Removal and Installation

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

CAUTION: Use the hex holding feature to prevent the ball studs (upper ball joint, lower ball joint, tie-rod end and stabilizer bar links) from turning while removing and installing the nuts.

CAUTION: Do not hammer the ball studs to separate them from the wheel knuckle or stabilizer bar. Doing so can cause damage. Lightly tap the wheel knuckle or stabilizer bar to loosen the joints.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
Remove and discard the 4 shock absorber upper nuts.
To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the outer tie-rod end nut.
To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

Separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
To install, tighten to 475 Nm (351 lb-ft).
Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly from the vehicle.
NOTE: Do not tighten the nuts until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Always install new:
shock absorber upper nuts.
lower ball joint-to-wheel knuckle nuts.
outer tie-rod end nuts.
shock absorber lower nuts and bolts.

 

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I wanted to revisit it again because I am installing some Bilstein 5100's on the front of my 2006 4X4. The 351 ft-lbs is correct for the bolt that mounts the shock absorber to the LCA, the Haynes manual confirms it. How critical is this number to safety and performance? My torque wrench does not go that high. Should I take it to 250 ft lbs which I can measure and then just crank on it a bit more and hope that ball park is OK? Or do I need to get better than that? Maybe I could have them check it when it goes in for alignment since I'm installing the shocks myself? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!