Setting ride height/alignment with no motor

Sure, that's why you'd need to crank down the bars and set the ride height without the weight in the car.
??? if you cranked them down (thus lowering the car) without the weight, then put 700 + pounds on it, the LCAs would bottom out in the frame rails. at any rate, i always just leave it where it is until i get the engine back in the car, and then set it where i want it.