Crabbing

Ok, so you're ON the housing, correct? That could be inaccurate as far as the frame rails. A good point would be the front of the box where the front spring hanger studs go through. See what I'm gettin at? That way, you're eliminating the housing, which bolts in and may or may not be square with the "CAR". You want to check the car and how the housing bolts in separately.....if that makes sense. That way, you can "see" where the discrepancy is. If there is any. So far, it sounds like there could be.

Well, see the problem here is you're picking up lower control arm bushing flex and wear and measuring to the rear axle, which is bolted in and may not be straight. You need to measure from points on the frame, to isolate the body from the bolted on suspension parts and go from there.

I measured the trans crossmember to leaf spring mount ( frame points) 52.25 rt side and 52.00 on driver side. From leaf spring mount to center of housing is 22.00 each side. The discrepancy is that the leaf spring mount is more forward on the drivers side. Shims should take care of it. I hope. Is this what you are saying?