Rear Axle Nut Torque?

[mikemon22]

The Henry J Service Standards book for 1951-1952-1953 states to torque the axle shaft nut to a minimum of 160 foot-pounds (page 22). The Henry J Service Manual book for 1951-1952-1953 states to torque the axle shaft nut to 70-100 foot-pounds (pages 117 and 133). Which is correct?

[Fid]

I always just tightened them as tight as I can then try to get the next space to line up with the cotter pin hole.  If that's not possible, I back it to the previous one. I've never had one come loose yet.  The reason it's important to get them tight is the axle/key will slop in the slot. If it does, you will hear a loud metallic click when accelerating - if you hear this, tighten the nut so the cotter pin hole lines up with the next space on the nut.

[alohagreen]

as fid says ... that's why the torque is/has such a wide spread 70-100...
get your 70 and then line up  slot  ( more toward the 100' Pounds )for the
next cotter pin hole.
 
 

[mikemon22]

Thanks for the replies. As I recall from 55+ years ago, when I didn't have a torque wrench, I tighten the nut as much as I could and then backed off to the cotter pin hole. Thanks again.