I've just installed the lower control arms on my subframe (out of the car). Can I torque the bolts holding the control arms now or do I have to wait until the subframe is back in the car? The lower ball joint has a seal. How do you get this to stay on the lower balljoint? It doesn't want to slide over the balljoint and keeps popping up.

You should wait until the car is completely assembled and resting on its own weight before tightening any bushings. I usually drive them around a few feet before tightening, or at least push it back and forth to get the front suspension to roll into position.

On the lower ball joint boots I use 2 pair of channel locks to get them on. Sometimes they are a bear and you have to be careful not to tear the boot. There is doubtless a better way. I just dont know what it is.

I line the notch up toward the inside, hold one side down, and then pull the other side down, then I work the pliers around to get it fully seated.
maybe if you warm it up somehow first it could help (?)

I used a piece of PVC pipe or a PVC fitting (don't remember which one, it was just something out of the box of plumbing supplies), slipped it over the stud and boot, placed a block of wood over the top, and pressed it into place with a pair of woodworker's screw clamps with the other jaw under the control arm.

Big 'ol socket!

- Jake

I used Jake's method with good results. Find one that fits down on the lip and pound it down into postion.

Bruce