NM. Score. Turns out an old X1 Buggy front Driveshaft works just fine! Its even a CVA to boot!
This leaves me with 88mm from the front of the center diff bulkhead to the bellcrank. Plenty of room for a 1717!!!
SCORE! Now i can drill/countersink the holes finish it up so its a complete electric conversion roller just ready for the electronics.
Now the CVA I have is a little used, its got quite a bit of play so I'll need to order another one but that it fits is most excellent!
http://www.nitrohouse.com/Universal-...-2_p_8077.html