Hey Faith, Just another suggestion if ya still got it apart. Check the Heim joints/rod ends very close for any play or binding in the ball as they do wear out after time, also check em for any sign of cracks on the body and especially on the stud and replace em if you have any doubts whatsoever. Also I would suggest you check the mounting bolts,be sure they are GRADE 8 and never,ever re use a lock nut, " New only"...... Also as far as recording the length of the hairpins I would do that so that I could easily get the axle in alignment but I would double check it by measuring from the rear axle tube to the kingpin boss. This is assuming that the rear axle is square to the chassis wich it should be.