engine angle

[CMcAllister]

A common configuration on a big tire car with the engine in the stock location is having the engine 2-3 degrees down from level towards the back, the pinion down 2-3 degrees from level and the driveshaft very close to level - the broken back or skip rope effect. It's a compromise to avoid a positive operating angle on the rear u-joint.

An ideal situation is having the crank/trans CL pointing directly at or just below the rear u-joint CL with the pinion angle (operating angle) being negative (pinion down) to some amount which is determined by suspension/traction device used. i.e. the crank/trans shaft and pinion at or near parallel with the appropriate pinion/driveshaft operating angle. Not easily done in many applications.