I could (steel frame) use spacers and go to 144 between. putting the edge of the current lockring, 6 mm away from the edge of the dropout, tooth to tooth is close to 3mm apart so my existing set would expand only 3-4 mm. leaving 2-3 mm clearnce for 7 speed chain.

Derailler spec says 7 or 8 speed. I may mbe able to find travell distance (no manual.) I'll have to look for 8 shifter around the house.

Help me out guys, I'm pretty bold, what am I overlooking? This thing still will be way under an 9 cogset size?

Sure, there is a usual way of running 8- why would this fail? Maybe the travell won't be far enough to the outside- I could spacer it 1-2 mm out, totally play out the screws.

Tell me it can't be done...

Please.

Jef.