To Torque or not to Torque

Xodius · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:02 am

Just curious which torque wrench you all used when installing your lifts and other various projects. I am looking to get one for my lift since i have a feeling it will be the beginning of several mods

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:16 am

Xodius wrote:

Just curious which torque wrench you all used when installing your lifts and other various projects. I am looking to get one for my lift since i have a feeling it will be the beginning of several mods

I have a torque wrench(Matco) but after 20 years of wrenching my arms are better calibrated.I do use a torque wrench for engine,tranny,t-case,and diff rebuilds though,a must.

Guest · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:40 am

Xodius wrote:

Just curious which torque wrench you all used when installing your lifts and other various projects. I am looking to get one for my lift since i have a feeling it will be the beginning of several mods

whatever my 3/8 impact says is good:D

Like troy said...I only really use a torque wrench for lugnuts, and engine work. I leave transmission and t-case work to people that know WTF they're doing :lol:

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:59 am

I only use torque wrenches on sensitive things, like engine internals - connecting rods, head bolts, etc.

The rest of the time I just torque it down where it should be via experience.

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:13 am

I wasn't going to answer this due to just knowing how tight most things should be from years of doing it, except like others have said with engines etc . Most stuff on the Harleys, which I had till the other day, I just knew how much was needed :wink:

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:57 am

This looks like the one I have... http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944595000P

I really only use it for lugs and such. I come from a GM background...actually only had Oldsmobile Cutlass cars since I started driving (except for one fun year of a 5spd Jetta)...and those Olds really liked the lugs at 100ftpds. Tiny bit more or less and they wobbled or ate rotors.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:39 am

If I was installing a lift, I would probably use my torque wrench to verify all of the important bolts are properly tightend. Especially since I have not done much with suspension work other than shocks and sway bars.

I always check the torque on lug nuts.

But never on spark plugs or other various small bits.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:56 am

I use a torque wrench on all suspension parts. Those are kinda important to me.

Probably use it most on lugs though.

LostEddie · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:30 pm

As tj (and others) says “after 20 years of wrenching my arms are better calibrated” but if you are new to wrenching you don’t have this reference. Buy an inexpensive ½ “(to give you the leverage) torque wrench and start developing your own “calibration”.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:31 pm

After 20 years your arms may be calibrated - but for the 1st 19 & 1/2 I'd recommend a torque wrench
if all you're looking at is an occasional suspension piece - Harbor Freight stuff will work
if you're doing more than occasional - or if you're going to build an engine - get Sears Craftsman
if you're going doing a lot - or you're going to build a high performance engine - get Snap-on.

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:38 pm

And if you buy one be careful with it , don't throw it around and it will last a lifetime. You can also get them checked every now and again to make sure thay are still correct/ calibrated. I have had mine since late 76 or early 77 and still in the original box, as Grandpa said take care of your tools and they will take care of you! :wink:

Xodius · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:59 pm

I am eyeing one at Home Depot. It is 69.00 and a Husky tool which has a lifetime warranty.

VTNomad · **Posted:** Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:39 pm

I bought a cheap on from Northern Tool or Harbor Freight. It's served the purpose for the last for years and only set me back 20 or 30 bucks.

KJ Taz · **Posted:** Wed Jun 18, 2008 2:16 pm

Xodius wrote:

I am eyeing one at Home Depot. It is 69.00 and a Husky tool which has a lifetime warranty.

I just replaced my old torque wrench with an 1/2" drive from Craftsman for $59.00 on sale last week.

Xodius · **Posted:** Wed Jun 18, 2008 3:24 pm

lol, now you tell me

KJ Taz · **Posted:** Wed Jun 18, 2008 5:20 pm

Sorry.............................I don't use them much but I needed it for putting the fly wheel and torque converter on my TJ. I found my old HF one in pieces so I went out to buy a new one and they were on sale. Pretty good deal, but I they only have a 1 year warranty as opposed to a lifetime warranty.

To Torque or not to Torque

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