Server rack shuffle

I just received a 2U server from corporate. My server rack has two 1U spaces available… with six other servers between them. Looks like I’ll have to take down all the servers including the local domain controller in order to shuffle things around.

Has anyone been adventurous (crazy) enough to try easing servers down a U or two while the servers are still on? Is it even physically possible to with the slide-out racks?

How about moving patch panels?

Seems either too risky or impossible to me, but is it? If you have tried it — how did it go?