I am a novice when it comes to working on my LS1. I just picked up some used Hotchkis LCAs. Do I need a torque wrench and torque specs to install these things or do I just tighten the bolts until I think they won't fall off?
I gotta get rid of my wheel hop

 

What kind of ends do the LCAs have?

I'm going to tell you no. I didn't tighten mine with a torque wrench or to specs and I'm yet to have a problem. After you drive around with them a few times, you may have to retighten them.

 

Aren't they all pretty much the same? They are the Hotchkis boxed LCAs
Here's what the ends look like:
LCA ends

 

Can anyone else help? I want to install them tonight.

 

If you have access to a Helms or Hayes manual, it has the specs. When I did them on my '94 I actually looked it up. I want to say 62 ft-lbs, but that was 1996, so I could be off.

They are not a precision part, so just get 'em nice and snug and then a little bit more. Then like the guy above said, check them after you drive around a while.

 

Torque spec for the LCA bolts/nuts is 87ft-lbs on the bolt or 55 ft-lbs on the nut (according to my 2000 Helms manual). I would recommend using a torque wrench if at all possible.

 

Thanks guys. I don't even have a torque wrench, but I guess I should borrow the neighbor's.

 

The installs not hard but you need to know what you're doing, spend some time looking this over before you work on your car.

http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...ca_install.htm

Don't be in a rush, do all the research you can first. When you feel you've learned what it takes to do the job then's it's time but not before. JMO

Al