Crowfoot for torquing LCA IBJ

I'm pulling this post out of the control arm replacement thread to see if anyone has tried it. Has anyone been successful at using a crowfoot wrench to properly torque the lower control arm inner ball joint? I know it's not possible to get a stand socket on the nut from above but this would allow use of a torque wrench from the side.

I always get mine with a 3/8" swivel adapter, a long extention and a short 3/8" socket from u top...

Originally Posted by cimper43

I always get mine with a 3/8" swivel adapter, a long extention and a short 3/8" socket from u top...

Not on the passenger's side you don't. And if you have visual evidence of how you CAN I'll buy you a beer.

I do believe it's doable with the crow's foot though. Talked to a seasoned indy mechanic and he said that' how he does it. It's the only way to get a torque wrench on it.

When I get to doing my left side Ill take pictures of doing the right, but otherwise its too f'in cold outside right now to do more work...

I'm replacing mine this month and will give the crowsfoot a try. The weekend of the 17th is the likely timing so I'll report back.

Are you asking if the torque will be correct, or if the wrench will fit? If you attach one of these to the torque wrench, I think the torque indicated on the wrench will not be correct since the distance from the end of the handle to the center of the bolt or nut will be longer with the crowfoot attached. It will probably not be a very significant difference, though.

Originally Posted by ixtoxi

Are you asking if the torque will be correct, or if the wrench will fit? If you attach one of these to the torque wrench, I think the torque indicated on the wrench will not be correct since the distance from the end of the handle to the center of the bolt or nut will be longer with the crowfoot attached. It will probably not be a very significant difference, though.

I'm asking if a crowfoot wrench will fit (clearance) and allow use of a torque ratchet. The torque setting will need to be adjusted to account for the added length of the wrench. I'll post the formula for the correction factor if this works when I follow-up.