Also, is there supposed to be a washer between the yoke and the nut?

 

I know on the front there is a real thick one

 

Nut and washer or flanged nut. Factory used a thick washer and nut.

I would try to follow the factory procedure for tightening the pinion nut. However, as long as you get the nut tight without altering the crush washer, you should be fine. 150-180 ft lb ought to do it. The caveat with either procedure is that if you over tighten you would pull the whole rear end apart.

 

It's a flanged nut...so 150 ft lbs or inch lbs?

 

It's a big nut, foot pounds.

Rolling torque is measured in inch pounds.