Questions for those who have worked on nissan differentials

[nalz]

I think the official factory position, when it comes to doing any work involving the removal of the pinion nut(altering preload), is that a near-complete disassembly is required to install a fresh collapseable spacer on the pinion gear. Has anyone here attempted the "count the number of turns it takes to remove the pinion nut, then retighten it to the exact position" method, and can speak knowingly of its success? I'm asking because i have a leaking diff seal on my 1993 2wd hardbody, and would really like to NOT overhaul the rear drive if i don't have to. Second question: is the pinion nut a one-time use fastener? i'm using the 1994 FSM available on this website, and i can't find any indication of a one-time use.

[whomadewho]

I have changed my share of pinion seals and never have worried about preload. The truck is a 1993 and the ring and pinion has some degree of wear already. If it is a real concern you can take a torque wrench and check the amount of torque on the pinion nut before you disassemble. A bigger problem is finding a thin wall socket and getting the nut to come loose. Before you reassemble make sure the yoke is free of grooves. I usually take wheel bearing grease and pack the pinion seal,it keeps the seal from drying out and coat the yoke with grease. You can use the same nut,with the amount of torque on the pinion nut I would rather doubt there would be an issue of the nut coming loose. If you want you can use a liquid thread sealer. Before you do anything make sure the vent hole on top of the differential is not pluged up,if it is this will cause the pinion seal to leak,also if the differential has been overfilled this will cause a leak. A lot of the Nissan pickups had Posi differentials, make sure you the correct gear lube. A little tip getting the pinion nut loose, place a pipe wrench on the yoke and let the end of the wrench rest against the truck bed.

[nalz]

A big thanks to ya Who, you're gonna save me some time with that thorough reply!