8.25" pinion bearing preload varies during turn

You can't measure pinion preload with the carrier installed. Must be pinion only, I usually set them up just a couple inch lbs lower than what's called for because a lubricated pinion seal will add a couple inch lbs to the rotational drag. Once you get the pinion right you add the carrier, GM 12 bolts call for 10 inch lbs of carrier preload. Would think the 8.25 would be similar values