David J wrote:

Can I safely/legally takeoff 4000 foot runway, 60 air temp elevation 400'
180hp or should I just bite the bullet and pay for the extra fuel to be
unloaded as opposed to taking a chance.

Overloading an aircraft increases the takeoff distance and reduces the rate of
climb. That will reduce safety any way you look at it. Will the plane do it?
Almost certainly. Can you do it legally? Nope.

Personally, I would try to find a way to take the plane up for about 2.5 hours
a day or so before this trip and fly the gas off.

George Patterson
Battle, n; A method of untying with the teeth a political knot that would
not yield to the tongue.