Front Shock Install Question
 

Its been quite a while since I have replaced front shocks on a stock GTO so this is probably a dumb question but...

The 1965 Service Manual says to pre-tighten the Upper Stud nut until it bottoms out at end of steel threads (see NOTE in Service Manual picture). Then it says to torque it to 60-120 lb ft of torque in Step 5.

If its bottomed out on the threads how can you torque it down any more?

Also the torque range is pretty wide so how tight do you guys tighten the Upper Stud nut?

Using KYB if it matters any

I think pre tightening just means to run it down until it bottoms and then torque it. I question the torque value given, isnt that upper shaft 3/8-24? 60-120 lb ft is what a head bolt or main bearing cap bolt is torqued to.

Yes I think the upper shaft thread is 3/8-24. I was surprised by the difference in torque settings between the lower bolts and the top nut

Any time I replace front shocks on a car, I tighten the nut until the OD of the bushing matches the OD of the washer.

At that point, it won’t be “torqued”, so I’ll use a jam nut or pal nut. It’s why most front shocks (including KYB) come with the jam nut in the hardware pack with the new shock.

Thanks 65 Lamnas. That sounds like a good strategy

DV

Maybe it is supposed to be 60-120 lb in?

Yes, it is a misprint. Go to the TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS at the end of the section, it shows 60-120 lb. in.