[PeteVS]

My experience led me to believe that WITH A TORQUE TUBE, the centerline through the crank shaft, transmission and torque tube should one continuous axis at about 3º. This will reduce wear on the U joint and have rear end lube drain back to the differential. (The transmission mounting surface on a '32 K member leans back that 3º.)

WITH AN OPEN DRIVE SHAFT, the crankshaft / transmission centerline can be pretty much anything and the pinion center MUST BE PARALLEL to the trans. But, they must be off set to provide a 5º or so (some one check me on the number) so that there is a constant rolling of the roller bearings in the U joints.

This all my humble opinion.