2x4 To 4x4

[Hittman]

I had a '71 3/4T 4x4 frame follow me home the other day. My plan is to swap my '70 C20 body on to this in the next few weeks. The weather hasn't been cooperating just yet however. I'm hoping some of you experts out there may be able to assist me in prepping this frame before the swap.

This frame was originally an auto with the NP205 transfer case. I now have a 4-speed and Rockwell transfer case out of a '69 (my brother got the '69 frame with the '71 mechanicals....don't ask.). Thing is with this set up the location for all the brackets don't line up the same due to the different transfercase. Everything is shifted forward a few inches except for the carrier bearing crossmember. As you can see in the second pic in the upper right hand corner there is a little bracket riveted to the frame that sticks out and is in the way of relocating that crossmember(also shown in the third pic). I want to make sure this little bracket isn't necessary so I can grind off the rivets and get rid of it to relocate the crossmember. Anybody know what this is for? I don't want to do anymore until I know this piece isn't necessary. I have everything mounted in temporarily as a test fit before I drill any holes. All seems good except for that crossmember. Anything else I need to watch out for?

I got this from a friend of mine for $300. He got bored with it once he went through the axles and transfer case, ran new brake lines and covered it all in POR. I would like to give it a better stance with a 2-4 inch lift - but economically. Is it best just to block it? Body lift? Any suggestions would be helpful.

The last pic is from last fall sittin' low in the weeds. Hopefully I will be able to get some finished pics before the weeds start growing again. I'm sure I will be posting again once I begin this project.

Thanks in advance for all your knowledge out there.