I just finished rebuilding my 8.8 with new bearings, etc. Ford's preload specs are as follows:
Now when I set the preload, I did so with only the pinion gear in place. Now that it's back together, with the carrier and axles installed, I checked to see if there was any change. But with new fluid, and all my bearings being new, I found absolutely no increase in rotational resistance.

If you're not going to replace the bearings, you should be able to get away with just installing a new crush sleeve and setting the preload to the "used" spec. Overtightening the pinion nut renders the old crush sleeve useless.

 

Interesting that adding the additional mass did not affect the torque. Good to know.

 

Thanks for the info. I replaced the bearings last time. This time will just be a new seal and crush sleeve.