Engine removal, remove front axle or gearbox backwards 96 D22

[dagwill]

Hi the car is actually a 96 Terrano Auto, im replacing the TD27 with a brand new Chinese QD32. Most of the info says move the gearbox back 3" but ive looked underneth and it appears the box [ transfer case ] will hit the fuel tank before its gone back 1", so im thinking maybe its better to drop the front diff, [ its been out before and all bolts/threads were covered in "neverseize" ] Then I should be able to bring the engine forwards enough to clear everything. Also with diff out it may make getting to the 4 TC bolts easier.
Any thoughts please
Thanks David