Late model rear end

Yeah I was thinking about the carrier and they're offset 2-3/16" to the right, any idea what the maximum horizontal angel the drive shaft can be at before I run in to problems with the U-joints? Also what if I narrowed the long side by 2-3/16th that would solve the centering problem and make the rearend almost an exact fit?

Here are the specs on the rear end:


Donor Vehicle = '97 Ford Explorer

Factory Gear Ratio = 3.73

Axle Shaft = 31 spline

Axle Diameter = 1.32"

Ring Gear Diameter = 8.800"

Traction Action = POSI-Traction

Brakes = Disc Brakes

Axle Strength Each = 6,500 lbs. Before breakage

Total Length = 59 3/4" Which is about 2" longer

Axle Tube Diameter = 3.25"