Am currently rebuilding a 1985 Iroc front end. I understand that on any suspension rebuild(front or rear) you always tighten the components with the suspension loaded.( Wheels on ground). I was just wondering if you did not do that and tighten everything up with the wheels in the air would it harm anything? Don't worry, I did'nt make this mistake, I'm just curious. Badman

 

If you tightened up the suspension without it being loaded by the weight of the car - when you did/do lower the car the suspension would bind. A good example would be the lower A-arms - if you tightened up the lower bolts prior 'loading up the suspension', when you drop the car down onto its own weight, the A-arms would bind not allowing free or smooth suspension travel. Similar situation with LCA etc...
-Andrew

 

It's different for different components. I usually tighten it in the air though... If I can i'll jack the car up and keep the suspension loaded (don't jack by the frame rails). But if it's a shock or something you're replacing, that won't work.