In a live axle car, you have to pull the axles out and this would be much easier without wheels attached. Now, on the IRS equiped Cobra ?
Like Beau said, as it was explained to us this is standard procedure at this shop. One of the techs takes the wheels off and jacks the car up, then the manager comes out and does his thing (the work, or just double check that everything is there, or something). This time they just forgot to retorque the lugs. Sucks, but it does happen .