mixed info on setting pinion angle?

Ok again, I need people to understand my issue is not going forward, just getting started in reverse. Going back to the beginning. After the tranny conversion I almost could not go in reverse at all due to the HARD thud the car made ( no shims at this time ). Adding 2 degrees on pinion up made it almost go away. Before I was 1 degree down below 90 degree, adding the 2 degree up gave me 1 degree above 90. Sooo should I add 2 more degree up giving me a total of 3 degree up or go back and add the 2 degree down for a total of 3 degree down?? The thought of a broken tooth has crossed my mine and is my last resort.