In the process of replacing the struts. When tightening the bolt at the bottom of the fork, should I:

1. loosely (hand tight) put the nut on the bolt while the car is still on jack stands, then lower the car to the ground, and tighten bolt to 65 foot pounds?
2. torque down the bolt to specs with the car suspended and with the wheel off the car?

It is a lot easier the second way, but I don't want to hurt the rubber bushing which could 'twist' when the car is lowered to the ground.

As a practical matter, does it really make a difference?

 

Do you mean the connection between the rear lower arm and the lower end of the shock(damper in UK)?
if so, the rear lower arm should have a steel sleeve going through the rubber bushing which matches the fork in bottom of the shock. (I don't know if the fork clamps on to the rubber bushing sleeve. Look at the bolt for signs of rotational friction.)
(very similar design to the 1991 CRX rear suspension.)
I torqued that bolt when the car was up on jack stands. (when I had my CRX and never had any problems, shock spring in my case)

take care,
ChrisS

 

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Yes, thanks. It is the bolt that goes through #13 in the attached diagram.