Spindle Nut Torque - 9 in Drum Brakes????

torque??? it is supposed to provide a bit of play. That is why there is a cover for the nut that allows you to fix the position of the nut with the correct amount of play with the cotter pin. Where did 25-30 ft lbs come from???

snug the nut until all play disappears when you shake the drum/hub assembly in and out and then back it off little by little until you can barely feel some play. Put the nut cover on in a position where you can install the cotter pin without affecting the nut position.

Are you working on an early car with spindle nuts on the rear axles and that is where 25-30 lbs came from?