Control arms & tie rod end replacement questions- New to Audi

[BA4IN775]

Hello Audizine. I purchased a 03 A4 a few weeks ago & been stuck on these forums since. So much knowledge on here! I'm getting ready to change out the upper & lower control arms, inner & outer tie rods, & sway bar links. This site has me excited to get working. I wanted to get the opinions of the forum members before I start this job. To prevent pre-load at the ball joints i'm going to swap the parts while the car is on jack stands, jack up the lower knuckle just until the car starts to rise, and then lock everything down. Is this the best way, or should I measure from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender before removing the wheel, then put the wheel back on and jack up the lower knuckle until the wheel sits at that measurement, or am I over thinking it? Once the jack is set I'll torque down the upper & lower control arms, sway bar links, and outer tie rod ends @ the ball joint. I will secure the inner tie rods when I install the new ones, and lock the outer tie rod ends in place against the inner rods after installining them the correct number of revolutions. What kind of tool works good for cutting the bands off the boot & are zip ties ok to use to re-secure the boot? Should I use blue Lock Tite on any or all of these fasteners? Just wanted to get everyone's opinions if I'm missing anything. I've been planning and buying parts, now I'm going to start some projects. Thank you to everyone for keeping this forum going, it's a ton of knowledge to new Audi owners like me!

[Luxus Panzer]

no lock tite.

measure from the fender to the axle bolt in center of the wheel.

Hae an alignemnt booked for when you finnnish.

Search for OldGuy's post on pref algnment specs for lowered B6

[diagnosticator]

A Dremel cutoff tool works well for removing the old boot clamps. Zip ties are not suitable as replacements. Stainless steel special clamps made just for the boots are required and are supplied with new boots. The clamps are tightened by griping and squeezing the clamp at the location required with a special clamp tightening tool.

[BA4IN775]

Thanks for the responses. I have an alignment scheduled for the day after the job, but do not have replacement boots or clamps. I'll hold off on the tie rods until I get new boots & clamps. I'll follow Luxus Panzer's advise on the measurement. Now I just need to find the torque specs for control arms. Where do you guys usually get your parts from? I've been getting stuff from ECS. Any thoughts on their prices, or suggestions on better places to order parts?

[old guy]

Clicky click 1® and Clicky click 2®

[BA4IN775]

Thanks Old Guy.

[customa4]

You've got ECS, Europaparts, JHMotorsport, 034 Motorsport, Black Forest Industries, genuineaudiparts.com and probably a few others I'm missing. I order regular parts usually from ECS, Europa or genuineaudiparts. The others have a lot of aftermarket upgraded parts but do also sell original parts. IMO it's sometimes worth it to just go to the dealer if it's gonna save you time even if it cost a few extra dollars for the parts. Almost always able to get the parts the next day or the day after that. Make sure your coolant is a pinkish color and not green. If it's green flush it ASAP.

FYI, ECS is in Ohio, Europa is in New Jersey, Black Forest is in North Carolina and JHMotorsport, 034, and genuineaudiparts are all in California. Just a little help for expected shipping times.

[BA4IN775]

Awesome info Customa4. I live in Nevada so I be sure to check JHM, 034, & genuineaudiparts. Already checked the coolant. It is pink, but thanks for the heads up.