Building a T on a A frame. 283 with a Saginaw 3 speed to a ford 9" Not sure what other info might be needed. But. I'm trying to figure out what pinion angle to set my rear end at. Hopefully this isn't a crazy or stupid question Thanks in advance guys.
You set the pinion angle to "match" the angle of the motor/trans angle. If the motor was angled down at the back by 3 degrees, you want the pinion up 3. You are trying to keep both U-joints working at the same angle; that's the basic task, so the driveshaft won't vibrate at speed. 3 degrees is a good target for angle of the U-joints, but zero degrees on U-joints won't allow grease to move in the joints, on each rotation. 5 or so would be my maximum. So, get the motor in with carb level, then measure that angle from something like top of valve cover, or anything at the same plane as the crank.
Lots of threads on this subject.... Set the chassis at intended ride angle (level or raked) with engine/trans installed in the position it is to remain. Normally, this is determined by mounting them with carburetor pad level. Get the rear axle into the position it will be when the weight of the car is on the springs. With an "angle finder" determine the angle of the centerline on the engine/trans crankshaft. It will likely be somewhere around 3 degrees down in the back. Whatever the number, 2,3 or 4 degrees, set the pinion angle that same number of degrees pointed upward at the u-joint. That allows the front and rear u-joints to operate at the same angle. Ray Edit: F&J types faster than I do!
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