driveshaft and pinion angles

[Richard]

For a two piece shaft there are three joints. One of the operating angles needs to be at 1 degree or less. The other two should be about two degrees apart, with the pinion set at the + 2 degrees to allow for wrap or load. The reason one angle needs to be at 1 degree is because there is not another joint to cancel it out. Regarding the 3 degree operating angle rule many seem to think is necessary. It only applies to longevity. The facts on that may surprise some with the proper research. My rear trans joint operating angle is at 12 degrees and I have no worries about strength or maintenance.
My front shaft has a 16 degree operating angle on the t-case cv at ride height. It reaches almost 32 degrees at full droop. The shaft and joint will survive.
Angles constantly change while vehicle is used. Setting anything exact is not something to be expected especially if the vehicle is modified.