Thanks for the info on the torque settings - much appreciated, as I definitely didn't want to just tighten these by feel. But to clarify, as these components are called many things by different people, I'm interested in the torque for the bolt that runs through the middle of the bushing of the lower control arm, aka front control arm, aka thrust arm. I'm afraid I don't have access to the diagram of the front suspension as this moment. Is this the control arm bolt in amacman's post (torque = 74 lb-ft) or the tension strut bolt (yet another new term for this part...), torque = 122 lb-ft? I think it's the latter...
Also, the mechanic I took the car to for its pre-purchase inspection told me the ball joints are in perfect condition, so he didn't recommend replacing them. So, I plan to simply unbolt the two bold that attach the ball joint of the thrust arm to the frame. Any idea what the torque for these bolts is?

One (hopefullY final) question - If all I'm going to do is remove the thrust arm and replace its bushing (probably at a machine shop), do I really need an alignment? I'll do it if there's the slightest doubt, but it doesn't seem that simply R & R'ing this arm alters any of the alignment settings.

Thanks; you have all been extremely helpful - this is a great forum.

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2003 X5 4.4i
1992 Porsche 968
2007 328i
2014 Subaru Forester XT