Okay, time to swivel the socket wrenches from CCW over to CW and start puttin' things back together. Thanks to everyone for input, BTW.
General question: As has become apparent by my pics, and despite the benefits of having the SIR, I've got pretty much everything torn apart here. (My kid got involved, one thing led to another..you know the routine.) In 101 Projects for your Boxster, Wayne makes the broad statement,
It's important to note that you should always use brand new factory hardware when replacing your suspension components. Most of the nuts and bolts used in the front suspension have self-locking compounds impregnated into their threads..."
Now that was in the chapter on "Suspension Overhaul" and included dis-assembly of some items I have not taken apart, but I've taken apart a lot...
On the bolt holding the main part of the control arm (the wishbone, as 101 Projects calls it), for example---should that be replaced? How about the two long bolts that hold the brake caliper in place? What about Loctite? Would that serve the same purpose as the "self-locking compounds"?
Then there's the Red vs Blue Loctite issue. A number of sources here have recommended using the Red on the axle nut, but neither the Bentley manual nor 101 Projects
even mentions using any at all: just crank it up to the recommended torque. Is using Blue as a compromise the cowardly way out? My kid counsels against the Red, makes it sound like I'll be essentially welding the piece on. (I'm exaggerating---he doesn't quite go that far. But you get the idea.) Just how tough is it to get off a nut that's been put on with Red?