[DexterII]

Not trying to cause you to change direction, because it sounds like your plan is solid and that you know how to go about it, so I would proceed that way. But, in case you may want to pick up a few more inches, you may still want to take a look at your dryer, and see if there is a knockout stamped in it for side discharge, and, if there is, I would pull the back off, and see how difficult it would be to run it out the side with an elbow. I'm not the guy to ask which ones are this easy and which ones aren't, so always have to look at the unit, but have seen a few where that "$100 kit" consisted of nothing more than an elbow, which you can buy at the hardware store or big box for a few bucks, and a plug for the original discharge, for which you can use the knockout once you remove it. Again, not trying to change you plan, but might be a way to gain even a bit more ground.

 

[DexterII]

I agree. Did not know the specifics, so tossed it out as a suggestion, but, given what you described, I wouldn't do it either. As you mentioned, the manufacturers provide minimum clearances, which means you could be down to a mere inch or two of gain. Not worth it. With our major appliances, I have always used a minimum of a pair of short 2x4 blocks laid flat between their base and the wall, more depending on what the manufacturer says, so that I can push them back to the blocks, keeping them square that way, and making sure they don't end up any tighter than they should be.

 

[DexterII]

Thank you for the update. It looks great! As for the screws, in case you need to add anything to your Christmas list, take a look at an impact driver that shares the same batteries as your drill. Or sometimes you will find a drill and impact combo kit on sale for less than just one of the tools. A lot of gimmicks have come and gone, but impact drivers definitely make driving screws a whole lot easier, and with less damage to the heads.