Here is a suggestion. Cut an additional 3" or 4" out and install a
turnbuckle. Just cut the hooks or eyes off and weld them directly to the ends of your cut rod. You can lay them in a piece of angle iron to keep them straight while you tack weld them and then weld them good all the way round. Then you will have some adjustment and can use all the gaskets or spacer you need on your carb.
