I took the motor off.
Looking at the lovejoy coupler and spider - there was definate wear going on in there. Which in one was is actually incouraging; it means that I should be pulling the motor and get all these mechanical lengths and distances worked out better.
I am going to give the machinist a call tonight and see if I can stop by and have him take a look at the motor again. See if he has any more ideas on making the whole thing shorter.
Once I had the motor off, I was able to twist the transmission into a position where I would be able to get the shifter hooked up again.
I also got a note from the mailman saying they have a package for me which requires a signature. So rather than them leaving it, I have to make a special trip to the post office. I think it is the ammeter and voltmeter I ordered through E-Bay. (Yep, straight from China!)
I also e-mailed a guy on the
EVDL and am going to be buying a used 72V charger from him. Still not dirt-cheap, but a better price than I could find on anything new.
So, suddenly I feel in EV limbo again, waiting for other people with superior skill to lend me a hand with this project.