Is my GE window unit tilted back too far or is this normal?

An inch of tilt is definitely pushing it for those newer GE units. These models use a **slinger ring** on the fan blade that's designed to pick up the condensate water and splash it against the condenser coils. This helps the unit run more efficiently by using the cold water to help dissipate heat. If the tilt is too extreme, the water pools too far back, the ring can't reach it, and your compressor ends up running hotter than it shold. You'll likely notice the unit cycling more often or not cooling the room as quickly as it should.

You can verify the exact angle using the level tool on your phone. On an iPhone, it's inside the Measure app, or you can just download a basic bubble level app. If it's showing more than 2 or 3 degrees, you should really back it off. Since you removed the bottom sash, you've lost the primary support that keeps the unit level. The weight is probably pulling the back end down beacuse there's nothing to counter-balance it against the window frame.

As far as the drainage goes, as long as the tilt is heading outside, you won't have a flood in your living room. But an extreme angle can sometimes cause the water to bypass the intended drainage holes and drip from the corners of the casing, which explains why it's hitting your gas meter. If you're worried about it leaning toward the house, pour a cup of water into the bottom tray while the unit is off. If that water doesn't immediatly head for the back of the machine, you need to fix the angle before you rot out your window sill. The easiest fix without tearing everything apart is to slide a few composite shims or a scrap piece of a 2x4 under the bottom of the unit where it sits on the exterior sill. This will prop up the back and bring that angle closer to the recommended quarter-inch. It’ll be much more stable and you won't be putting so much vertical pressure on that top sash that's currently wedging it in place.

Wait, so that pinging or splashing sound I hear is acutally supposed to happen? I honestly thought my fan was hitting a puddle it wasn't supposed to be in. If I fix the tilt to that 1/4 inch, will the splashing get louder or quieter? Also, for the shims, is there a specific spot under the unit where the weight is heaviest? I'm worried if I just shove a piece of wood under there I might bend the metal casing or something since these things feel kind of flimsy on the bottom.

Yeah, that splashing or pinging sound is totally normal for a slinger ring setup. It actualy gets a bit louder once you level it out becasue the ring finally hits the water at the right depth to spray the coils. If it's silent, the unit is likely tilted so far back that the water is draining out the back hole before it can even do its job.

For the shims, aim for the corners of the outer case. Most of the weight is concentrated on the compressor side—usually the right side when looking from the inside. Just make sure you're propping up the heavy metal frame and not hitting the delicate aluminum fins.

Since you pulled the bottom sash, you're putting a ton of leverage on that window frame. I'd grab a universal support bracket from the hardware store. It’ll take the weight off the top sash and make it way easier to get that 1/4 inch angle without it shifting later. Also, keep an eye on your display. Some of those smart GEs have sensors that trip if the water pools weirdly in the corners. If the tilt is too steep, you might get a 'water full' error code that shuts the compressor off even if it isn't actualy leaking. A bracket is a lifesaver for these 'janky' installs.