Jeep 4.0 in 69 Barracuda

I am done for the weekend. It wont be starting and I dont know what I am going to do now.

In my original plan, I was going to with a forward rack and pinion steering system. With how poorly that turned out, I am now using HDK's coil over with the OEM steering linkage. I have a bit over 4.5in of space between starter mounting surface and linkage. I am totally messed up on this.

I dont know what to do, or if I should even continue. :-(
I'm guessing that when you say that there’s 4.5 of space between the starter flange and “linkage”, you mean the rear brace for the HDK kit and not the steering linkage?