8.8 explorer pinion angle

[bo duke]

My dad and I have a lil argument goin over this:
we've just shortened the long side of an explorer rear, length is perfect. we set the vertical pinion angle at just under 3 degrees.
the pinion is still offset from the transmission what? 1 or 2 inches?
I don't think theres much we can do to fix it.
Will this thing eat u-joints or vibrate, or is everything close enough?

 

[66Runt]

As long as the vertical, lateral and longitudinal angles are the same for both the transmission and differential, the U-joints will work fine (this is what they are designed to do). You may find the drive shaft hits the tunnel on full suspension compression. Definitely worth checking before driving. I'm suprised you are at less than 3 degrees vertical. Stock Ford is 3 degrees.
Good luck.