I'm attempting to replace the control arms (w/ attached ball joints) on my 96 850R. I have a couple of questions for anyone who may have done this before.

1) I cannot torque the bushing ends (where the arm attaches to the subframe) while the vehicle is on the ground w/ wheels on--can't reach the bolts with my wrench. Just doesn't seem to be enough room. I understand that this is needed in order to position the control arm in the proper place. I've also tried jacking up the suspension while the car is on the stands in order to position the control arms properly, but the suspension doesn't "give". I end up lifting the car off the stands. The suspension will "give" however, when the wheels are on and I let it off the stands. I'm missing something here. I've even tried gently lifting from the bottom of the ball joint. Can these bolts be torqued without the suspension lifted ?

2) When installing the ball joint into the steering knuckle torqued the bolt to 37ftlbs (per Haynes, If I remember correctly) and upon lowering the car, it popped out. I think it was inserted completely--The "ball" on the end of the pin was completely in the knuckle and up to the rubber boot. Maybe I forced the clamp open too much when removing the old ball joint.

Any help or comments are appreciated. Thanks in advance.