Ride Height and drive shaft angle help

[hbabler]

So this is probably a dumb question but hopefully you guys can help me.
My 48 Hudson (picture added for attention however it’s not on stands in it) is currently on jack stands in the garage.

I want to verify the drive shaft angles prior to finish welding the transmission mount however I’m at a loss on how to do ride height while it’s on stands. It’s way too low to measure if it’s on the ground. Also I’ve only got a bare block and transmission to install so it’s going to sit nose high anyway
Am I overthinking this? Or am I missing something on an easy way to do this?
Thanks for the help!

 

[larry4406]

I think I would build 2x4 cribbing to raise the rear and front the same amount so you can get under it and its on its wheels.

Granted, the weight is improper as the engine and trans are gone....

 

[Wrench97]

You'll need to block it up under the tires as stated above, add some weight to represent the engine to the front crossmember then get your angles. Or wait until you drop the engine/trans back in to finalize the welds.

 

[larry_g]

Personally I would put off the finish welding till you are nearer the finish line. If you need the RE in to make it a roller then just hold it in with the U-bolts. Once the engine/trans is in then you can measure the angle of the crankshaft and then set your pinion at the same angle. Once you get your angles set then do your welding.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[WildBill]

Personally I would put off the finish welding till you are nearer the finish line. If you need the RE in to make it a roller then just hold it in with the U-bolts. Once the engine/trans is in then you can measure the angle of the crankshaft and then set your pinion at the same angle. Once you get your angles set then do your welding.

lg
no neat sig line

This what I always do and then use something like this to help figure out angles -

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-935DAG-Electronic-Measures/dp/B07ZWW3BW5?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[joecon]

Put your jack stands under the rear axles that way it is the same as if it was on the wheels. Then make your measurements. Using the electronic angle finder is a good way to do it.

 

[hbabler]

Good ideas guys thanks for the help.
Sometimes when you are in the middle of something it just doesn’t make sense I appreciate the help

 

[hbabler]

Thanks for the help. It’s now up on the air and ready to measure things. (Excuse the mess in the garage)

 

[larry4406]

Cool looking car! I hope you are keeping it stock looking.

What is the motor and trans plan?

 

[Rockable]

As Larry said, build you some of these. 8 layers give you 12" of height. Much better and safer than jackstands.

 

[kabinenroller]

There Is an app for that!
Seriously, I have used this free tool from Tremec transmissions, it is easy to use and works very well.

TREMEC Toolbox App | TREMEC

Use the TREMEC Toolbox App for iOS & Android to simplify driveline setup, predict the effects of changing gear ratios and tire size, and more.

tremec.com

 

[hbabler]

Cool looking car! I hope you are keeping it stock looking.

What is the motor and trans plan?

Thank you! It will definitely look stock including stock looking steel wheels.
Unfortunately it had already gotten a subframe and V6 prior to me getting it. The fab work was terrible so it’s getting a turbo 5.3 LS with a TR6060 manual