At present for this 40 Chrysler build, the engine/transmission are located in the chassis with rear end not yet positioned, that is; spring perches have not been welded to axle tubes yet, but the rear end is attached to the springs and located left/right while axle can still be rotated. What would be the tolerance for setting the angle? Can it be set when the body is NOT mounted to the chassis, or should it be when the body IS mounted and all other components in place as a complete car?
There are lots of threads on this subject, all say set it at ride height. The search function is your friend.
Yeah, this has been the subject of an epic amount of threads. Please use search! Just go with "Angles" and In Title. That should give you enough.
Most people want to try to do it too soon, then end up using wedges, or reworking mounts when it doesn't work. I have done it before the engine was in by piling cement or sand bags across 2x6 boards in the engine bay, and making sure I had the weight close. Otherwise wait until it's close to done to set pinion angle. Some small things can be done afterwards, but not heavy things.
Just playing devil's advocate here. What if you set it up all perfect like, then drive it from L.A. to New York with Granny and 2 kids in the back seat. Is the driveshaft going to fall out?
Everyone has answered when to set angle, but no one has given the tolerance for the angle between trans and axle.... LynnW