66CJ5 - DANA 27 Spindle Nut Question - Rookie question?????

Ok, so the only history I have with installing/seating wheel bearings is with trailer axles. I greased the bearings and installed the lockwaser and spindle nut. I tightened down on the spindle nut until there was obvious "drag" on the bearings, and then backed off about a 1/4 turn. The hub turns with moderate hand pressure. Is this right??? Should it spin free, or have some drag to it. Just want to get this right before I install the second lockwasher/spindle nut and move on to the other side. Thanks guys.

 

The manual (SM-1046) states "Rotate the wheel and tighten the adjustment nut until the wheel binds then back off the adjusting nut about 1/6 turn making sure that the wheel rotates freely without sidewise shake" with a note the front wheel must be rotated by hand as the adjusting nut is tightened to ensure positive seating of the bearing.

Personally I seat the bearing and back off the adjusting nut until it is just tight enough to prevent play. I have ruined more bearings from adjusting them too tight than too loose and half the time I get to replace the spindle as a bonus.

Good luck.