JPR10

Can you explain the best way to load the suspension? Can I use a jack under the front wheel and compress the shock/spring all the way? How did you do it?

JPR10

Alright I think I figured it out -- I know which parts to buy... As far as loading the suspension, how far should I jack the car up to ensure that the suspension is properly "loaded"

LessIsMore

Once you get the control arm installed - with the car still on jack stands, use a jack under the ball joint by the hub, and raise it until the wheel is at the height it would be under normal conditions, i.e .car with wheels/tires mounted, on the ground. (The suspension will compress. If the car body starts to rise off the jack stands, you've gone too far up. Lower it back down a bit. ) Then tighten the control arm bolt to torque spec.
Lower the jack to decompress the suspension again, and remove the jack.

E60Japanese

I have done it two ways
When the car was on stands and the control arms are fitted you can jack the car up with the two bolts going through your bushes lose under your hub or ball joint
Jack the car till the pressure just releases of the jack( just) and then do both bolts up tight
But don't over jack it as already written

The other way is to put the car back on its wheels or car ramps and lay under the car and do them up under normal conditions

One other point is your ball joints
They have a hex fitting in the top
It is important that when you tighten the joint up to always use a hex tool as you can otherwise twist the ball joint rubber and tear it if you don't

E60Japanese

Of course it would be nice to replace the swaybar links at the same time
they go from your sway bar ends to a bracket connected onto your strut mount


The sway bar links maybe okay but if you want a really nice job i would do it all at the same time


I think it was suggested before to also replace your sway bar rubbers
Ill look for a link to show you

E60Japanese

Here is a link to show you the swaybar bushes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/300700940330

KyleB

If you're at 155K and they've never been done, I can just about guarantee every bushing and ball joint on every control arm is worn out. I'd do all four control arms in the front.