I would be careful with the "jumping on the big breaker bar technique." I've seen the threads on the axle & nut yield. They are made of steel, and are subject to all normal engineering principles. Which means that there is an optimal torque to provide the clamping force you're looking for. Once those threads yield, the clamping force will reduce!

That being said, this is what I've done for the last five years: I take a 1.5" O.D. pipe (leftover from building a rollcage), approximately 30" long. With the car in gear and a chock in front (right) or behind (left) wheel, I put the pipe over a breaker bar and carefully apply my weight until the nut stops tightening. No jumping, just a steady pressure until I can feel the nut completely tighten and then I stop.

This is well over 250 ft lbs! (I don't put all of my weight into it.)

MC
#14 ITC VW Scirocco

[This message has been edited by racer14itc (edited October 15, 2001).]