this might sound stupid, but i've been reading about tightening various bolts to specifications, how do you know how much torque to give each bolt? i'm guessing there's some way to measure this?

 

With a torque wrench

 

i've always used a rachet and just did it by feel, so a torque wrench has got measurements on them then?

 

a torque wrench tells you how much you applied to the bolt.
as for knowing how much to GIVE, there are factory manuals that specify what each bolt should get.

for example: (not true numbers, just example)
head bolts get 85 ft/lbs
camshaft bolts get 45 ft/lbs
lug nuts get 76 ft/lbs

it should also tell you what order to tighten them in. this will prevent warping.

 

copy that.

 

Generally, there are things you don't need to worry too much about, for instance, say the clamps/hangers on your exhaust. You could tighten those by socket wrench, and it wouldn't matter too much if you under specs or over, so long as it wasn't loose enough to come off, or tight enough to snap in half.

However, anything engine related, I wouldn't even think about not using a torque wrench. Engines are engineered to within 1/1000's of an inch, so tolerances are pretty specifc. Not using a torque wrench in the engine compartment is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

torque wrench a must, check.

 

now where can i find a list of all the torque specs? especially for doing springs and rear sway bar?

 

shop manuals.

 

Click here. Those are most of the chassis ones. For the complete list, see the Factory Service Manual, or subscribe to Toyota's Tech Info website.