Pinion seal leak and loose pinion nut?

[GlenwoodCJ7]

I noticed my pinion seal leaking and tore it down to replace the seal, but when I went to loosen the pinion nut it took really no force at all to get the nut turning. From everything I have read this thing is a ***** to get off and so I am wondering if the nut being loose is what is causing the leak. I have no reference point to tighten the nut other than the torque recommendations. Any thoughts? I would prefer not to have to replace the seal if I don't have to.

 

[GlenwoodCJ7]

Also for you AMC 20 rear end folks how many threads deep is your nut tightened if you remember. I only had three threads showing out the end....

 

[GlenwoodCJ7]

Went ahead and replaced the seal and will torque it down to 180ft lb and just go with it... Didn't replace the crush sleeve so hopefully I don't have to redo anything.