Yup except the air hammer is stronger, more consistent, and easier

 

can I eyeball the expected angle of the control arms, and torque it down without dropping it and loading the suspension?

 

no, do it right

 

i tried air hammer. it wouldnt come out.

first install all the arms loosely so everything is held together. the one bottom control arm which has the joint facing up, place a jack under it, and jack the car up until it barely comes off the jack stand. preferably not at all but a tiny bit is ok. proceed to tighten everything up. i used open ended wrenches on the upper arms by strut. remember i think its 5/8" wrench can be used on 16mm bolts. just incase you dont have that size wrench. good luck, pm me if you have questions, i just did mine not that long ago and have lots of pictures

 

For those using the air chisel this is what you'll want to use.



Jason

 

OP: put you car on jack stands then use the the jack to load the suspension by jacking it up by the lower control arms by the rotor.

 

another tip for loosening the pinch bolt. stick an impact on the bolt, not the nut, and tighten, loosen, repeat. I cracked one of mine loose that way, then air hammered it right out.