If it was preloaded it would be on the tires full weight on the bushings. Back everything off and see if your suspension comes back.
Then do a proper alignment. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think your suspension is in a state of bind from being tightened without the weight of the car on it's tires.
Unless I read, "yes it was in the air" wrong. Not sure how he could accomplish both unless He's telling you it was on a drive on lift(alignment lift) on the tires. Doesn't sound right to me. If you tighten the bushings without enough weight on them when you release the car downwards the bushings will twist instead of rotating for lack of better terms.
Tom
