2002 FX-4 SuperCrew - stock suspension

Just installed Bilstein 2574 (front) and 2490 (rear) shocks. Only had instructions for rears. I do have the Chiltons.

Chiltons - front top nut 35-46 ft-lb
rear top nut 22-29 ft-lb (Bilstein instructions agreed)

When I began tightening the fronts to ~35+ ft-lb, the upper rubber cushion was squeezed quite a bit. Looked way too much as it expanded beyond the edges of the retainer washer... a friend thought so too. Backed off on the nut.

I cannot get a torque wrench to access the rears - very little room.

How much should the cushion be squeezed, particularly in reference to the washer? The rears can only be barely eyeballed or done by feel..

So far it drives and sounds fine but just trying to do it right...

thanks

and thanks to the Shockwarehouse guys for help in shock selection and excellent service...

Tom