2WD drive I presume? I have always tightened the nut tight with my fingers and then back it off just enough to get in the cotter pin. Just make sure there are no burrs on the nut or spindle threads. These bearings are not to be pre-loaded. Done it this way since day 1 and never had an issue.
On your vintage, the lift pump comes on during engine start, then it runs by the OPS when you release the key. Put your truck in drive( the starter won't run ) and turn the key to start. You will hear the LP.
2c] Loosen the inlet line from the IP – is fuel coming out (Lift Pump on)? ______?_____
You need to determine if fuel is getting to the injection pump.
I hope this "battery problem" is not the engine attempting to hydro-lock. Good batteries should not run down in 30 seconds. I don't know what else to say.
Crack an injector line to see if you are getting fuel. Are you sure the FSD is plugged in tight? When I did my gaskets, it was running within a short period of time. Good luck--
The way I read it-the two plates have fittings and hoses attached to them which attach to a "T" fitting. A hose goes from the "T" to another "T" in the larger heater hose . The one with the quick disconnect fitting. Matuva - I sent you a PM
Who knows. Maybe someone put it together that way. You are getting overly concerned, it's not going to cause any harm. If you are trying to get the rings to ride exactly where they were, it ain't gonna happen anyway.
With the miles you have, I would not worry too much. Put the top ring the way it was and rotate the lower one 180. The top ring creates the most wear anyway. My opinion--