has anybody done this yet

I am sure someone has. I have an issue with my exhaust manifold on the driver side just barely rubbing the steering column since I installed the Schumacher mounts. The engine has been set back 1 " and that has caused a slight problem. I was going to go back and raise the tailshaft and shim it BUT, since I had to move the exhaust it is real close to the x member. I was thinking of pulling the steering column out and cutting the shaft where it is wider at the manifold area and running the smaller rod up past the end of the manifold and then welding it back together. That would solve my problem and be the easiest. I can post some pics tomorrow but I just thought to do this tonight. let me know who and where I can read up on this. Thanks,Bill