do the rear lowering springs need to be loaded (or preloaded, depending on how you want to say it) after you install them?

if so, can someone kindly point out to me in this picture which bolts to loosen whilst i take it for quick trip around ye olde block?

(image attached)

 

Which ones did you loosen

You don't "preload" them in the true sense..you just don't want to tighten the bushings in a turned abnormal position

 

every other write up i read said to loosen the two bolts on the top control arm, either side... but i didn't even touch them to get the strut out in the first place.

i just want the correct ride height when all is said and done.

 

Loosen any joints that have bushings that are change rotationally due to the ride height changes

Upper A-arm bolts in the front..and most links in the back. You need to get an alignment after a couple of days max...if you drop the suspension the toe will be way out and tire wear will be greatly accelerated

 

so basically, none of the bolts that i undid while actually installing them?

which would be: all the bolts on the strut, all the bolts that hold the strut into the tower, the bolt at the botton of the strut that goes into the back of the hub, and the alignment bolts on the lower control arm...

 

i'm just going to go back after i'm done with all 4, loosen EVERYTHING, jack up the knuckles one by one and tighten everything back down after the car is loaded.

 

so, my rear is still high.