Maybe this is dumb, but I just can't find any answers on this. 1.) Can driveshaft's run up from the tranny tailshaft to the rear axle input? I don't see why not. 2.) If they are setup this way, do you compensate for pinion angle by simply pointing the pinon down the correct ammount to achieve the proper pinion angle for the application? Again if this sounds dumb it's becasue it probably is, but I'm just not sure if this is an ok way to do things.
It can and a lot of em do run up. You can point the pinion up or down as long as the angles are the same. Ive done a lot of research on this and my car still has a funny noise when accelerating and this is the 2nd car to do this? No biggie i just drive it and forget it. Dave
A drive shaft can run any direction providing the operating angles and correct. Ideally the working angle at the trans should equal the working angle at the pinion and should be a minimum of 0.5ºand a maximum of 5º. Hope this helps.
If the trans tail shaft points down the pinion must point up. That keeps the angles equal and opposite. Other than that it's just a matter of keeping the angles to less than the working maximum. If the shaft must run uphill then, it makes sense to keep the motor and pinion as close to level as possible.
Not sure what kinda car you may be talking about, but there are alternatives to driveline angle problems. Double cardan joints [cv] are an acceptible way to compensate for odd angles. Many old Caddys,Lincolns had the trans running at a downhill angle, while the rear end pinion also ran downhill. This was done by using the double cardan joints at the rear of the shaft.
run a two piece driveshaft with a carrier bearing and a slip yoke if you must go "uphill" and point the pinion down.your engine was probably designed to run flat or down in back, oil return is important.