Just curious about how much can be safely shaved off a 9"?

i wouldnt shave it... they are pretty high clearance already...

but if I can get more...?

if it were mine i wouldnt do it. You can always rung it and let it self shave... everytime it drags on a rock you will get that much closer to the point that it doesnt touch

Any more than a 1/2" and your into the third at which point you could take another 1" or so out, then when you've patched it to the point of not leaking you'll be about even with what you could've done with a hammer. In other words, 'not worth the effort.'

I wouldn't have to get into the 3rd member since it is angled to the tcase. it would be just the bottom and some diff cover thing.

you asked and we told you. We wouldnt shave it. Do what you will.

Here

http://www.rockhardxj.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1725

Shave away. Currie sells that as an option on their new housings. Just verify ring gear clearance and use thicker steel. A strip up the ring gear area is always a good idea.