Eight and three-quarter rear end driveshaft issue

Tad said
I measured 57 1/4 from rear center to the front edge of the pleats

Wow, that seems way long. My 74 Dart Sport was only 48 3/4 inches center to center on the U joints. Did you measure with the rear suspension hanging or did you have jack stands under the rear axle tubes with the weight of the car on it?