8 3/4 center sections

I am trying to figure out why my 741 case is easier to spin /turn then my 742 case I checked the lash which is fine according to the hot rod magazine article I was reading. I stuck a gauge to the back of the nut that holds the yoke down and spin it .the 741 case was 14 inch pounds and the 742 was 23 inch pounds is this normal ? I don't see any thing in the article About preload

There is your difference, just like RRR said, there is more preload on one than the other, making it a bit stiffer to turn. There is preload set on any bearing that you install, rear ends, front hubs/disks etc.

I think on a 489 case it's 19 inch pounds, so they might vary, I don't know.