I just bought a 96 Ford Explorer's limited Slip 8.8 rear axle for my 56 F-100. When I got it home I noticed the Pinion nut had been removed. The flange is still there. Just wondering what I need to do to replace the Nut.

 

Buy another one. They're available in scores of places online and at dealerships everywhere.

 

I've got a new one but I'm not sure what to do. Just torque it? How much? Do 8.8s have a crush or solid spacer for preload?

 

It is a crush. Doing it the book way you need a new crush sleeve and then you pull it until it takes about 14 in lbs torque to turn the pinion. Now I have had the pinion nuts come loose and all I did was pull them tight. So the didn't have any slop in them. Unless you are a real hoss most people cannot crush the sleeve with just a 1/2 inch break over.

 

Maybe I should go ahead and change the Pinion seal while I'm at it. Any pointers?

 

The carrier needs to come out to set the pinion bearing pre-load. I'd recommend watching some youtube videos on 8.8 axle rebuilding. I also have a pretty good book on my kindle on rebuilding 8.8" axles.