[JayJay]

Interesting that this info should come up, as I'm in the middle of rebuilding my differential. I ended up with the pinion bearing preload at 17-18 in-lb as measured with a precision milk jug partially full of water hanging 8-1/2" off a breaker bar.

Supposedly the pinion bearing carrier is thinner where the second (forward) bearing rides, to allow for adjustment of the preload. It may be, but mine was still stiff getting that old bearing off and the new one on. The 17 in-lb was all I could get out of it even with "encouraging" the forward bearing rearwards. Seeing the info that Bob B posted, I'm happy with it.

FWIW, I had to shim the pinion gear rearwards 0.020" (put four 0.005" shims between the bearing and the pinion) to get proper ring gear engagement.

I think NK is correct - the nut to connect the pinion carrier to the driveshaft (taper with key) is nominal 100 ft-lbs.