Skid plate spacer, 79 CJ5

I just picked this up and I'm getting ready to start pulling it apart for a full restoration.
Right I just trying to figure out what I have got and where to start.
It's 79 CJ5 with a 258, T150, Dana 20 T/case. All that checks with the VIN but I'm confused about spacers between the skid plate and frame.
It appears to be the stock skid plate but it is shimmed about 1 1/2".
The jeep has been lifted, I think about 4". Could they have lowered the skid plate when the lifted it? I am taking it back to complete stock and this is just the first of many questions.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Mike

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Driver side, looking forward.

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Pax side looking aft.

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I would say it was shimmed for 1 of the following 3 reasons..

1. When it was lifted it made the drive shaft angles steep so they dropped the tcase
2. Different tcase/tranny... requiring more space under there
3. Not the correct skid plate so they modded it

I am leaning toward number 1 Good looking CJ btw

 

Thanks, I'm leaning the same way since the drive train appears stock.
But I will defer to the experts.
Mike

 

Yes #1, That is quite a drop kit. Nice Jeep by the way.

 

The parts book shows 8 spacers with a 4-speed transmission only. The T-150 should not need any spacers.