Pagen,
Have you checked the book amendments, the original version required shortened drive shafts but the wishbones where then modified to allow fitting of the original unmodified shafts.
See
http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=2430
And don't forget that when all bolted up the CV joints will be compressed so while sitting "free" they will measure longer.
I hope that solves your problem as I've only speed read your post!!!
J