I can't say I disagree on how odd the traditions are. It's like they've been told from father to son for a thousand years and both parties have been drunk so a little information has been eroded off for each generation. I did leave out some of the drinking references. There is A LOT of drinking going on on midsummer's eve. Not so much at our party, we always have a whole bunch of kids around. Not a whole lot of sobriety, though.
Do you mean the rear axle? Nah, I don't think that's a good idea. The outgoing axle and drive shaft are very close to in line and the rear is pointing down slightly. The angles aren't large but I don't think it's a good setup. I think I ordered shims, I can't remember.