ke6dcj,
We are putting the cart before the horse on this problem.

The number one reason for diff replacement is a botched pinion seal replacement according to the warranty department at M-B.

The start up and rotating torque should have been measured before removing the nut, we use a 1/4 dial torque wrench and record the readings.

However the "normal" reading are in the 3 newton meter startup and 2 newton meter rotate. We slowly tighten the nut using the dreaded impact and check the torque many many times. I wish you good luck and remember tighten in small increments.

__________________
Paul