Position of transmission yoke / ankle of rear axle

[Matshark]

Hi Folks, I just got my rear axle and am going to install it.
ThereforI could need some advice, because the engine and transmission are not mounted yet.
I have a 4link for the rear axle which alows some ajstment for the
pinion ankle, but I would like to weld the brackets in an almost perfect position,
so that I do not have to adjust to much. I have a 97 LT1 and a 4L60E.
Here is my question:
Where would the transmission yoke be in this configuration, so that I can weld my brackets having the axle pinion aim in that direction.

Thanks
Matthias

[entourageguy]

Usually around 2 deg to 5 deg past level. But should really be set once the engin/trans has been installed.

Brian ..

[Matshark]

I have to move the truck in my other garage in town.
This is why the rear axle has
to be installed even when motor and
transmission are not mounted.
I am asking because I do not want to grind
the brackets off again from the new axle housing.

[dwcsr]

I would just tac the rear suspension in place. You need to have the truck at ride hieght with the engine in it along with the transmission
I put a level on the manifold base and set it at zero. This usually leaves the transmission yoke at 3* to 5*. But not always. You may have to relocate the mounts to get it right. Then adjust your pinion to match.

Doing it with out the above steps is guessing and you most likely will have to redo the position of the pinion. So just tac it in place till you get the engine and trans in at ride level.

http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_...aft_Angles.htm

this is a very good link on drive angles

[magsnubby]

When we installed the Camero rear end under my nephew's '58 step side, we spent a little time under it eye balling the driveline/slip yoke angle before ripping out the old rear end. I also notated the pinion angle degree.

Since we were flipping the axle, after we got the rear end positioned, we just tightened down the u-bolts, put a jack under the rear rear pinion, jacked it up until it looked good, then lowered the pinion angle 2 degrees. Then i tacked the spring perches, removed the u-bolts and finished welding 'em up.

This might help explain things a little better (it's talking about a 4x4 but the pinion angle applies to any vehicle:

http://www.4xshaft.com/driveline101.html

[Matshark]

Thanks for your help, I already
decided to only tack weld the brackets
and finish the welds when the drivetrain
is installed ( or grind them off and move the brackets )