Shock torque

[NEW EDG]

Trying to torque down my new shocks and the shaft just wants to spin free. Put some vice grips on the top to hold it(see pic) but now I have no clue how tight to go. I believe specs call for 30 ft/lbs. Any tips are reatly appreciated.

 

[NEW EDG]

This is how far I got. I can't really pull any tighter with a ratchet wrench. So not sure if that's right enough or I need to go further?

 

[shovel]

The 1994 Specifications book from Ford (the only authoritative reference I have which seems applicable) lists 19-27 ft-lbs for the rear upper shock attachment nuts.

In practice if you've squished down the rubber bushings like 1/8" or so, such that they would not likely produce an air gap when suspension is rapidly cycled then that's appropriate.

 

[NEW EDG]

The 1994 Specifications book from Ford (the only authoritative reference I have which seems applicable) lists 19-27 ft-lbs for the rear upper shock attachment nuts.

In practice if you've squished down the rubber bushings like 1/8" or so, such that they would not likely produce an air gap when suspension is rapidly cycled then that's appropriate.

I have to imagine if I can't move it anymore it's at least 20 ft lbs, right?

 

[shovel]

I could only speculate. I use a torque wrench on fasteners that are (to my judgment) critical, in particular anything that may not necessarily give obvious warning before catastrophe if assembled carelessly. I've never put a torque wrench on those upper shock nuts/bolts.