14bff bearing preload

[bp71k5]

I already know this is a lame question, but...

I've replaced the hub bearings, races, and seals and tightened them up according to the spec's in my factory manual. Specifically, I tightened the inner lock ring to 60 ft/lbs while spinning the hub, and then backed it off 1/8 of a turn. Then put the lock ring in there and loosened the inner nut enough to catch the nearest prong on the lock ring. I then installed the outer nut and torqued to 175 ft/lbs for tapered roller bearings (which I believe I have).

The manual says this should result in some bearing preload, but not how much. With the tires OFF, I can rotate the hub with one hand, but it doesn't keep spinning when I let go.

The front hubs I've done seemed to have a little less drag on them than these do.

Anyone have some insight on how tight the bearings should feel? I think I may be worried about nothin.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Everything i've read says to tighten the inner nut to 50 ft. lbs. while rotating the hub then back it off and then retighten to 35 ft. lbs, install washer and then torque outer nut to 50 ft. lbs. Mines been adjusted this way for 6 years now with no issues. Basically, too tight and you burn up the bearings, too loose and you burn up the bearings, it's a fine line of not too tight and not too loose.

 

[bp71k5]

Hmm, now you got me wondering. I was using my 69-72 manual. maybe I need to find a manual for a 78 (which I think is where the rear end came from) and see if it lists different torque values. It's easy to fix now so I want to make sure it's done right.

 

[bp71k5]

Ok, I've got a 1971 factory service manual, an 67-87 haynes, and a 88-98 Chiltons.

1971: The 71 lists what I did at first. 50-65 ft-lbs, then loosen 1/8 turn.

88-98: Tighten to 50 ft-lbs, loosen 1/4 turn, and retighten to (10.5" ring gear = 13 ft-lbs, and 11" ring gear = 35 ft-lbs).

67-87: Tighten to 50 ft-lbs and the loosen it a lot and retighten to "hand tight".

Since everything except my 71 lists 50 ft-lbs for the initial tightening, I'm going to redo it with that since my gut was telling me it was too tight.