1. that is depicted in a different picture, it's 4 inches from the edge of the spring bucket to the edge of the bracket.I guess it's not clear to me what part of the directions is a problem. The gusset and the bracket should jig together leaving you with two degrees of freedom. 1. The position axially on the tube. I presume there is a dimension for this in the instructions. 2. The radial position of the assembly, ie 11 oclock when looking down the axle tube from the knuckle in. That clocking appears to be what arctec is describing above, no?
I would think it should be stepped through like this: assemble the pieces mark correct axial location on tube. Put angle finder on gusset with zero from cover face and rotate assembly until its 3.5deg back from flush and tack. If you're worried it might be incorrect (and always a prudent idea) leave it tacked and when you go to install check that your positioning is correct before complete welding.
2. this is the one I'm having a hard time with simple because i have a hard time keeping the portion of the bracket perpendicular to the axle tube. i can bend it any way without rotating it on the tube.
this is because there is so much slop in the puzzle part of the bracket. I think i will tack the uprights onto the lower bracket to hold it in that regard. locate it 3.5* from the mounting face, take some pictures, see what you guys think.