update on spring flip and pinion angle

Why are you worried about where the pinion is if you are going to cut off the perches and reset it????

From what you wrote, the pinion is pointing up or down 5* I can't figure out which way because you say it at 85* and pointing up, yet your description shows the exact opposite re: pointer to the right of zero.

Here's a quick one. If the pinion is actually pointing UP 5* put the 5* shim with the fat side to rear and you'll be at zero on the pinion and a 3* down angle IF, your output angle of 3* down is correct.

Do the opposite if the pinion is DOWN 5*, put the 5* shim in with the fat side towards the front and you'll be at zero on the pinion and a 3* down angle.

Otherwise, buzz the damn perches off, get the pinion set with it POINTING DOWN 1* and you'll have your 4* angle