I always set my pinion angle with SS springs around 4*-5*. I also use stiffer shocks, like adjustable Ranchos which tighten up the rear suspension. The theory I follow is that the harder a car leaves, the stiffer the shocks should be for suspension control. Since stiffer shocks can limit separation, you don't need to go to the extreme end of the pinion angle recommendations. Separation is needed, but with shock technology and other mods, the extreme separation you saw in the early days isn't needed. Check the slip-spline angle too - around 2*?