http://www.hypercoils.com/spring-rate-calculator/ Check this out. Somebody fast should plug in their numbers for me and let me know if they come out close to the setup you are running. Anyone know...
I would try a 2.42 first or 2.73. Not sure if that gear is available for 8.5? Then run it in Low. You will not find a rear gear tall enough to turn those rpms in 3rd gear.
If I put a spindle on my car that is 2" shorter height from my stock spindle, and the steering arm is 1.5" shorter than stock. What should I expect? Should I change other things in the suspension?
I had same problem on stock 9". Had a bent axle. Put a Moser bearing on axle and problem solved. I had an inner seal, wheel seal and the moser bearing, still got oil out by bearing, but did not leak...