1991 Chrysler Fifth Ave Axle Shaft

Hello, and thanks for your assistance. I have rebuild the complete front end of my 1991 Fifth have 3.3l w/150k miles, including the axle shafts. From take off, I hear three thumps which seems indicitive of the CV joints. I do understand that the engine must be aligned, and according to the manual, the shaft lengths are supposed to be between 7.4 and 7.7 inches. I have seen the diagram and where to measure the distances, but the problem is, I am measuring 8.5 inches on both sides equally. I am measuring from the correct positions according to the manual, but dont understand why Im getting 8.5 and why they would be out of alignment if both are equal distance. Could the thumps be something else?

Thanks again,
ChrisCar Repair Talk's forum.