D44 front axle question - pinion related

[heavy4x4]

'79 8 lug D44.

This has shims instead of a crush sleeve to determine pinion bearing preload, correct?

What should I torque the pinion nut then too...just crank down on it?

Reason I ask is this:
There was some gear oil coming out of my pinion, but not really leaking past the seal. I took out the driveshaft, locked the hubs, put a wrench on the pinion nut, and gave it a turn. Without much effort, I was able to tighten the pinion nut (maybe 30-40 ft. lbs) The nut was obviously loose. So, I tightened it down with some locktite (didn't get out the torque wrench...but tightened it probably close to 140 ft. lbs) It's now a little "harder" to turn than before.

Any ideas/info?

 

[kennyw]

Pull the cover and check the ring and pinion for unusual wear. You may have damaged your gears without enough preload.

 

[heavy4x4]

Anyone else have something to add? /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

Correct, jsut tighten it down. The shims set the preload. If it came loose, and you drove on them for a while, the gearset could be no good now, but if it wasnt too long it might be ok. Just tighten the nut back up til you cant anymore.