I’m just about finished reassembling the drive train of my 1976 2002a after converting to a 5spd. In the process of doing this I dropped both front and rear sub frames and replaced all the bushings and gaskets and mounts from the engine to the rear differential and generally cleaned up the coating of oil and road goo accumulated over 33 years.

The engine, transmission, steering, rear diff and half shafts are all in and the last step is to measure for the driveshaft and take it to be shortened, balanced and rebuilt. So my question is how to get everything squared and positioned to give the most accurate dimension the first time. Because the diff and one engine mount are slotted, getting the centerline has some degree of flexibility at both ends. Because the diff is slotted, getting the half shafts squared and centered to the diff and the whole thing squared to the centerline of the car is also problematic.

What I assume is the best approach (and maybe the only approach) to all this is get the rear end as close as possible, measure and build the driveshaft, install the driveshaft and then somehow (string line???) align the whole thing as a unit.

Does this sound reasonable or just a bit obsessive? Any advice welcomed.

So near yet so far.

Thanks
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73 CS Polaris
76 2002a Sahara