So I was able to reduce the trans-to-jackshaft u-joint operating angle from 7-8 deg to around 3 deg. I machined a block roughly 3/4" thick to go between the trans mount and the crossmember. This was as high as I could raise the rear of the trans w/o having to redo the exhaust. Then I was able to move the carrier bearing down about 3/8" which was about as far as I could go with modding the Belltech bracket. Any lower and I'll need a custom bracket of some kind.

First impression is that the vibration I felt before under heavy load is gone. I need to recheck my pinion angle single lowering the carrier bearing will have changed it slightly.

 

measured my stock trans vs my 80e last night and the 80e was slightly longer, of course i wrote it down and dont remember. but i want to say it was 29 inches for my 80e from end to end and 27 3/8 for my 60e