If one replaces the rear shock assembly, or makes an adjustment to the ride height with out loosening the lower and upper arms from the bushings, is it necessary to loosen both upper and lower, then load the suspension, then tighten?

I did this with the fronts as I needed to move the upper arm out of the way, but on the rear I only removed the lower shock bolt so I didn't, but curious as to whether I should have or not

 

You only need to load for the lower shock bolt if that's all you removed. No need to loosen the control arms if they haven't been touched. Sounds like you did the fronts correctly.

 

Great thanks, didn't think about loading for the rear shock bolt.