Mechanically speaking, I can do anything with good directions to follow but don't really do much. Because of this, my toolbox is pretty sparse. Ok...honestly I don't even have a toolbox.

I figured a plenum spacer would be a good DIY mod for me. Finding the random sockets and stuff for the install is simple enough, but I don't have a torque wrench. I've had a real problem finding ones that go very low into the in-lb. range...which this install requires. I know the instructions say you don't NEED a torque wrench, but I'd like to use one to make sure I don't screw up.

I found one at Sears that's 25-250 in-lbs. for $65. I'm willing to buy it if that will get the job done...just wondering if anyone else that's done this mod had any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

I didn't use a torque wrench... just gradually tightened each bolt and its adjacent bolt (alternating from 12o'clock, to 6, ten o'clock to 4o'clock, etc.) by hand. I didn't tighten the bolts too much at the end - just enough so they gave enough resistance to stop turning, then gave a little more pressure and stopped. After a few hundred miles (two weeks or so) I went back, and re-tightened the bolts using the same alternating method. Last time I checked they were nice and snug.

Save yourself the $65 and just remember, in this instance, it's safer to go back and tighten them more later, just as long as they're not going to move around and rattle out. Hand tightness plus a bit more pressure to ensure it's tight is fine.

(By "hand tightness" I mean when using a socket wrench)

 

That one wouldn't be safe for the installation which requires about 1/2 the lowest it'll go!

I read that if you use a 10mm nut driver (like a screwdriver with a socket on the end), you can tighten it about the right amount with a pair of gloves to help with the leverage. Much safer than feeling for the right amount with a standard socket wrench, especially if you don't do much work yourself to get the feel for it.

You could also try one of the do-it-youself parts stores as they sometimes have loaner programs for tools and may not cost you anything at all!

 

tighten the outside bolts first before you even touch the middle ones.

The ones in the middle you could pretty much just hand tighten them and let them be.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the torques needed 40, 80, and 100 in-lbs.? Why wouldn't the wrench I mentioned work?

 

it'll work (I have no idea of the quality, if it's Craftsman you should be okay?) - I'm not sure what he meant by his post... but may people use a nut driver - if you tighten by hand as much as you can, and avg guy will be pretty close to 100 in lbs...