I read your write-up on "Driveline 101"
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Driveline-101.shtml

Since the driveline does have u-joint yokes,I went out and purchased an angle finder from Sears. I'll do as you suggest this weekend, remove the shims and take baseline measurements. I do think you're right about the shackles being longer than the original ones and thought about trying to get a set made exactly the same size as the original shackles but with threaded holes on one side. I don't remember if the original ones were threaded on one side, I'll check and verify this maybe I can use them.

The new springs didn't come with new shims, I thought I had to install them just because they where part of the original setup.

So far I have:

1. Installed new leaf pack (6 leaf) and old shims. Ride was very stiff, alot of vibration.
2. Installed new leaf pack (6 leaf)w/o shims. Ride was very stiff, less vibrations.
3. Installed new leaf pack minus bottom overload leaf with shims. Ride improved but vibrations still there.
4. Cranked front torsion bars up an inch. Almost level vibration still there.

Thanks,