Strut Install Question, How do you torque that nut?!?

[WhiteCobra95]

I just got done installing the following parts on my ’95 Cobra: FR ‘04/’04 cobra A-arms, FR C-springs, and the FR Bullit Tokico struts and shocks. (I didn’t use the bullit springs in the kit since they don’t really lower 5.0 cars, and my stock sway bars are large than what came in the kit.) The only question I have regarding the whole process (which wasn’t too bad) is regarding the strut mount nut at the strut tower brace. The factory shop manual calls for something like 60 ft-lbs, but I when I try to torque it with my torque wrench the strut shaft spins. There’s a slot for a big flat head screw driver, so I can get after it with a box-end wrench but I doubt that I can hold 60 ft-lbs with a flat head. I ran them down with my impact, but I’m still not completely comfortable. I would really appreciate any suggestions or comments.

Thanks, whitecobra95

 

[icemetalstang]

I have tried a screw driver and wrench. As well as vise grips and wrench. I have been more successful with a impact wrench. I tighten them down untill it stops and have no problems. Hope this helps.

 

[Adam95GT]

impact is fine man... you can also use a screwdriver sideways ans a huge adjustable.

 

[HISSIN50]

Impact can damage some struts. Be careful.

I suppose you could tack weld a socket to a box-end and use a torque-wrench on that (take the additional offset of the socket's location into consideration in regard to the corrected torque spec).

I use a leverage bar and box-end wrench. I obviously have to guess on the torque value.

 

[Adam95GT]

I use a leverage bar and box-end wrench. I obviously have to guess on the torque value.

ive done this too works great

 

[Chythar]

ive done this too works great

x2

I have a small pry bar that I also use to get at all those plastic pop rivets all over the car. The KYB AGX struts I use has a nylon insert in the top strut nut, which will grip the threads quite well. So I just torque down as tight as I can by hand, and I've never had one come loose.