I'm building a '48 F1 streetrod, using a 351W (stroked to 408), and a 9" rearend. I have installed a '68 rearend assembly, since it is pretty much a "bolt-in" swap, except I put in a 4-link suspension. My problem is..... the pinion/yoke is about 2-1/2 to 3 inches off center from the transmission output shaft. I understand the vertical angle issues, but is the horizontal offset a problem?
Thanks.

Leo

 

Both the vertical angles and the horizontal angles will figure in to calculating your total. Knowing the total and keeping it within acceptable operating limits for the universal joints is extremely important. Time to brush up on your trigonometry!

 

In an answer, No. The left to right does not effect pinion angle. Mine ran this way for years and is very common on stock vehicles like F-150/150's.

 

Just make sure everything is installed straight so that the angles are the same. I've seen engines installed crooked from front to back leaving different angles at the transmission tail and rear yoke.

 

Understand, some angle has to be factored in to allow lubrication of the joints. Here's a good read: DRIVE LINE PHASING