i am changing my diff pinion seal and im wondering what i the right torque for the nut to get proper bearing preload. i understand the whole idea of having a 8-14 in/lb running torque but have found numbers all over the board to torque the nut to in order to achieve the bearing preload and running torque. some guys are tellin me 100-125 foot pounds and others 235-250 foot pounds on the pinion nut. and ideas or good souses?

 

The running torque value is the most important. The torque value should be checked before the pinion nut is backed off and if the value is greater than 8 in/lbs, that value should be noted and re-established when the system is reinstalled. If the value is less than 8 in/lbs, then the torque must be set to the standard value, 8-14 in/lbs favoring the higher end of the range.

The torque at the pinion nut to tighten the system upon reinstall is a minimum of 160 ft/lbs. If that value cannot be attained, then a new crushable spacer should be installed.

As usual, the pinion nut should be tightened to take out all slack in the bearings, then tightened a bit at a time until the right running torque is established.....and don't forget to remove the drums/rotors before taking any running torque readings.