X2, I have seen internally welded flanges fitted, I do mine like that sometimes too. The outer welds I only use to prevent flex type cracking. These are like stiffeners/ gussets.
The clearance on the front shaft also has a lot to do with trying to fit a 2" pipe through a small space . There is not much room on that side of the trans in a early RR with the square crossmember and the difflock actuator. However, I agree, there looks like not enough clearance for the uni though. it could've been moved over to the chassis a bit further. even 1/2 " would be sufficient.:mad:
As regards the bolts etc, spring washers are more than adequate, maybe they ran out??
Hope it sounds good:twisted::D
JC

