Transfer case issues

[Rainman]

I'm attempting to match a 229 from my 87 to my new driveline (5.2L and 46RH from a 95 Grand Cherokee) and have a bit of a clearance issue. The mating surfaces won't come together all the way.

The tranny seal housing is recessed 1.25" and the t-case input protrudes 1.5":
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/jaydub46and2/87G_Wag/mopar_power/trans_out.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/jaydub46and2/87G_Wag/mopar_power/case_in.jpg

I'm exploring option on what to do. (the washers you see should not be part of the solution)

1. Have a spacer ring built (is there a source for longer studs)

2. remove front of t-case and have the stub (or whatever it's called) milled down .25" or so. If this is done is there enough depth in the housing to put the seal in. I didn't check when I replaced the seal.

3. Swap a front section from a different (but similar) NP case.

4. Use a different transfer case. I don't like this option because I like the full-time option of the 229.

5. other, please explain

option #3 would be ideal but I don't know what other case would work.

Any ideas?

TIA

[skeletor]

i would just find a np242 from a zj, its a part time/ full time case just like the np229. i wouldnt mess with it since you can a get a np242 for a decent price. btw i thought the np229 was a 23 spline and the zj stuff was 21 spline.

[Rainman]

Upon further review, I'm going to need to clock the case up for the drive shaft to clear the cross member so the clocking ring will act as the spacer, eliminating this problem.