2002 Re-torquing X braces?

[Swampy Meadows]

There is a for sale listing on Bring a Trailer for a 2002 Neiman Marcus edition T-Bird. One of the commenters said the following:

Make sure you re-torque those x-braces (there are 2) to 46 lb/ft ; these were not properly torqued at the factory, and will stiffen the chassis considerably when set to spec.

I searched this site and have found no mention of the need to do this. Is this a thing?

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[Swampy Meadows]

There is a for sale listing on Bring a Trailer for a 2002 Neiman Marcus edition T-Bird. One of the commenters said the following:

Make sure you re-torque those x-braces (there are 2) to 46 lb/ft ; these were not properly torqued at the factory, and will stiffen the chassis considerably when set to spec.

I searched this site and have found no mention of the need to do this. Is this a thing?

Here is the listing: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-ford-thunderbird-nieman-marcus-edition-5/

Answered my own question. Found it under "X frame" instead of "X braces":

x frame

does anyone know what size hex socket is used to tighten the bolts underneath the car

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

 

[Anewaltj]

Yes, there is a link on this site, about re-torque the braces, I believe it was specific to 2002's.....Had my 2005 checked soon after I got it because of the mushy feel of the suspension, they were fine, but I put new KYB struts on it and now it rides and handles like new...

 

[biddle]

Answered my own question. Found it under "X frame" instead of "X braces":

x frame

does anyone know what size hex socket is used to tighten the bolts underneath the car

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

When you were creating your post, you would have also been shown that thread as you typed your title. We have this advanced, optional function for this very purpose.

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[Frankie the Fink]

I re-torqued mine to the recommended setting about 6 months after I purchased my 19,000 mile 2002 3 years back.
I got a good 1/2 turn on many of the bolts to reach torque and a little more on a few of them..
It made a noticeable "seat of the pants" difference in the ride.

 

[Tiotaco]

Does this apply to all years?

 

[WesTxStoner425]

I retorqued all of the X-braces a few months ago on my 2004 and all bolts were below spec.

 

[Gus Gutz]

This is an easy procedure. You can reach these bolts without having to jack the car or even getting underneath. I check mine yearly. The first time I tried there was at least a quarter turn on two of them.

 

[edward301]

I decided to tighten the X braces on both of my 02 Birds, most were tight, a few needed a quarter turn, one needed
a half turn. Can not tell any difference in the way they drive, but I recently installed new shocks-struts, and re did
the suspension on both cars two years ago. They both drive great. Even checked all the fluids.

 

[The Flash]

When you change the trans. oil and filter the X braces must come down.

 

[edward301]

With the low mileage they have now, that will be a long time away.

 

[TThompson]

After seeing this thread, I did my x frames last week. My 2002 rides tighter now. I think this will be a regular part of spring maintenance for me.

 

[Jeffb1062]

What is the torque?

 

[doug7740]

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue