I am repacking the bearings on my 2007 WW FSW3200... Two questions: How tight should the center nut on the axle be (the big nut with the cotter pin) and any rules of thumbs when adjusting the brakes? TIA!

Relying only on experience in the auto field (I would like to know if there are any trained trailer mechanics with a better answer) I would say the spindle nut should be tight enough so the brake drums do not rock on the bearings when you grab the top and bottom of the tires and try and move back and forth. About finger tight. I have adjusted my brakes so they are tight to take out all the slack and back off until they barely drag.

Anyone with a better method, please reply. I've done this for years on cars and my trailer with good results.

Here's the OEM spec/instruction from Dexter Inc.
http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1080235/f/Instruction...059-831-00A.pdf

More brake/axle service manuals here;

http://www.dexteraxle.com/resource_library