Preload procedure with urethane bushings?

[andrewro]

I've searched under "preload bushings" and read that the urethane pieces behave differently since they are not bonded to the control arms and radius rod bracket, and therefore do not present a torsional force - did I say that right? I also take it that the procedure for the rubber bushings isn't really a "preload" so much as it is torquing under the weight of the car to prevent a preload that would place pressure on the bushings at rest.

Anyway, I saw that Rob posted that the urethanes do not need preload but present problems of their own, and that I should still have them set up professionally on an alignment machine, and I also should have all my alignment specs handy.

Can someone tell me exactly what I need to do before I torque these things down? My plan was to get it all together but with those bolts only snugged, get it on the ground, drive it maybe up and down the driveway once to settle things, then onto the ramps and torque everything. I was not planning on putting people in the car but I supppose I can. I'll get the alignment close, then take it to an alignment shop - it's only a six block drive to the shop.

Is this what I need to do for the urethane bushings? Is there anything specific or additional I will need to ask for at the alignment shop? The car will have the new urethane bushings (front only for now), new tie rods and center link, and other stuff including new brakes.

Just want to make sure I don't miss anything.

Thank you people!!

Andrew

[Marty]

Your plan sounds good snug it up and drive a little then torque them, Unless your wheels are grossly misalined I would drive it 100 miles or so before taking it to the shop just to let everything find a home before alinement.

[andrewro]

Yeah, I am measuring the old tie rods to set the new ones as a baseline. Hopefully that'll be good enough for driving. I mean - a hundred miles can't hurt as long as everything's torqued properly and nothing is pulling or wandering.