FWIW to someone that may run into the situation I have.
I asked the good folks at ORD about my dilemma.
Response:
You have three options:
Swap the shorter 32 spline input in, notch the adapter for shift rail clearance and bolt it up. The 208 adapter doesn’t have a threaded boss for a shifter to pivot off of.
Use this spacer:
https://www.offroaddesign.com/6-bolt...-hardware.html
and it would bolt up without tearing the 205 apart. Same hurdle with no shifter boss.
The third option would be the stock ‘85+ TH400/NP205 adapter, that would bolt up without mods and does have the threaded boss for the shifter. But they’re rare, only available used and we don’t have any.
So this is great news! That is the same exact adapter I have laying around although mine was from AA and used to bridge the gap between a nv4500 and long input 205.
The issue with the missing shifter pivot boss for the 205 is a moot point because I have ORD's Floor Mount Twin-Stick shifter.
Killed two birds with one stone with zero $$ spent.