Front Axle Nut Torque

I assume you are referring to the wheel bearings. Timken tapered roller wheel bearings are set up with a bit of drag but not much. Most wheel bearing preloads are set to eliminate shake or loosness in the cone sets. Snug the spindle nut up but not too tightly then back it off to the nearest castellation for the cotter pin. Roll the drum or wheel and make sure it turns freely but has no side to side shake.
 
Thanks rotorwrench.

I used the general rule of thumb for installing the taper roller bearings; rotating the drum while snugging the nut and backing off, and repeating. Wasn't sure if there was a specific torque needed. This is my first pre-war vehicle, so I have a learning curve to overcome.

Thanks, Norm
 
install bearings,tighten nut fairly tight, spin wheel to center bearings, then back off nut nut till its free, spin wheel and retighten till there is just a little pressure on bearings,spin wheel again to see if it turn free with no side to side motion, a tapered bearing that is set up to loose will let the rollers turn and run side ways in the cone and ruin the cage that holds the bearings in positiom
 
Ford told their mechanics to use a hand wrench about 8" long and tighten the nut firmly, rotate the drum while doing so to see the drag increase. Then back off 1/4 of a turn.
 
In other words, zero torque. Less than finger tight when you're all done backing off to nearest slot for the cotter pin. It's not like the rear axle nut that takes 200+ lbs of torque.
 
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