Flipping outboard RTAB bolts

[estoguy]

Hey guys...

Awhile back I had to tighten up my RTAB bolts... but I realized I did a silly thing when I did them a couple of years ago.

On the outboard bolts, I put the bolt head on the inboard side, so the locknut is on the outboard side, near the subframe bushings. When I was tightening, the space in there was getting tight and I was having trouble getting a box end wrench in and out of there.

If I get the car up on ramps, can I pull the outboard bolt and flip it, without any issues? Will the inboard bolt keep things steady and level to do this, or do I need to take more steps?

I want to flip them, because I still think there might be a little play there, but I can't get the wrench it, and using the open end to hold the locknut is a PITA.

[Northern]

I don't think there will be enough space to flip the outer bolt, unless maybe if you drop the subframe and remove the bushing? Doesn't seem worth it.

[estoguy]

Ah crap... oh well. Might have to try a little more tightening as it is then.

Thanks for the input!

[nrubenstein]

I don't think there will be enough space to flip the outer bolt, unless maybe if you drop the subframe and remove the bushing? Doesn't seem worth it.

I don't think it's physically possible to flip, regardless. The subframe bushing gets in the way.

Edit: I have a modified wrench that i use for tightening this nut. Grind it for extra clearance and you should be able to turn the nut enough that you can get to the next face.

[ForcedFirebird]

You put them in the correct way, otherwise you could never remove the trailing arms with the sub frame in the car. The bolts need to be able to be pulled out towards the inboard side. As nrubenstein said, modify a cheap wrench - you might be able to a a starter (aka "S") wrench in there, but modifying one it the way I have seen most of us e30 owners do.

[estoguy]

Thanks for the input guys. I was able to use a a thinner wrench at work... some no name "Drop Forged" wrench. A good bit thinner than what I have.

Guess I'll pick up a cheapy wrench and grind it down. Cheers!

[Northern]

I don't think it's physically possible to flip, regardless. The subframe bushing gets in the way.

Exactly.