Don't have to tear down the axle to weld on it. The rear end was all apart for a complete rebuild. It was just easier to move in & out while it was empty.
I had to replace an axle bearing & things morphed from there into a full-blown diff rebuild with an Eaton 'posi', 3.73's, Moser axles, custom frame notch, some frame boxing, boxing of the box's crossmember notch, upper shock mount relocation, custom sway bar mounts, those spring perches & the new lower plates. Oooops!
Agree on the pinion angle. Buddy that had the shop I was working in, set that up.