11.5 Rear Axle shaft bearing preload

[Flryder]

Hi, I’m replacing one rear axle shaft seal on my 2016 Power Wagon. Not the pinion seal. The question I have is about setting proper wheel bearing preload. Chilton says torque to 22 ft/lb while rotating the hub in and then back off 1/4 turn. Next hand tighten to remove any felt play. Others say tighten it to the same torque and back off 30 degrees and then go to where the nearest notches align for the key. I have also seen that it should have between 1 and 5 thousandths play. I have a dial indicator and everything else required. So what is the best method?
Thanks

 

[DILLIGAF]

Yukon gears has a great little chart

 

[62Blazer]

The chart above is for pinion bearings which is completely different than what is being asked.

Don't put too much thought into this. From my experience as long as they are half-way close it's good enough....meaning the torque isn't super critical. I've done dozens of sets of this style of bearings (basically every truck up to the 80's and early 90's used the same concept). Don't think I've every used a torque wrench. As the one set of instructions states I would snug up the nut while rotating the tire. This makes sure everything is seated. Then back off the nut. The hub should be pretty easy to turn the nut will probably only be hand tight. Just don't want any side to side wobble or slop in the hub. Also as stated you have to turn it one way or another to get the retainers/key to line up. The fact you have to rotate it to line up the key throws out any thoughts the torque is 100% critical.