How much to tighten the spindle nut?

[bluegrasscharger]

I was wondering how tight to make the spindle nut (hub nut) on the front of my 1970 charger?  I have drum brakes. Thanks!

[Purple68]

Well there may be a more technical answer but I was taught to tighten up the nut and then back it off so there is just detectable play when you push and pull on the drum...never lost a wheel bearing yet.

[bobs66440]

My service manual says:

Tighten spindle nut to 90 inch pounds while turning wheel.

Line up one set of holes in the lock nut with cotter pin hole.

Back nut off one slot and install cotter pin.

Should be zero-.003" end play.

If you don't have an in/lb torque wrench it's just under 7.5 ft/lb. Usually I just lightly tighten the nut while spinning the wheel until there's no end play then back it off to the next slot and install the cotter pin.