quick pinion angle question

i've read your suspension article, i just need you to clarify something if you would. my tranny is pointing down 3 degrees. I have read that the rear end should then point up 3 degrees to match it, now heres the question, i thought you have said that the pinion should then point an additional two degrees down. so that in the end the tranny points down 3 degrees and the rear end points up 1 degree, is that correct? i couldn't find a specific answer to this through the search, sorry if its a repeated question. thanks.

That is correct!

What's the reasoning behind adding the 2 deg. down?  When you see them guys on tv on them shows they just use some welding wire and set the rearend opposite of the tranny.  This should be set at ride height as described above?

---------------------------------------------Originally posted by pmillerWhat's the reasoning behind adding the 2 deg. down?  When you see them guys on tv on them shows they just use some welding wire and set the rearend opposite of the tranny.  This should be set at ride height as described above?

--------------------------------------------- Its because Max said so... Thats all the answer you need... mmmmmmmmmk 

The 1o to 3o pointing down is to make up for suspension and chassis flex during acceleration. And yes you would set it at ride height on a static suspesion or half travel on a bagged or hydraulic suspension.

last question, say my ride height is 3" off the ground and half travel is 5". but i drive at ride height or lower 80% of the time. do you still set the pinion angle at half travel regardless?

On a properly designed suspension where the pinion angle change is neglegible yes, half travel is best. If your suspension isn't right then ride height would be best.