Right, I do have more room under the hood, but that is not the area in question...
How about under the left front fender on the frame rail in front of the axle?
Just trying to present options.. next time you see an HI Scout II, take a look and see if the gear box may work, it's worth a peek just to see.

Grigg

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-