Opinions on what to buy to lower ET...
SS springs + hangers or sliders ... snubber if it's a stick. probably cheaper than caltrac
auto you probably dont need the snubber
not a fan of the caltracs, according to Ma par the springs are supposed to wind up a bit absorbing the shock of the launch so that the axle tubes do not twist/stress crack; the snubber limits the travel. if you put spring clamps/ladder bars/etc that prevents the spring from twisting at all it puts all the stress to the axle tubes.
the SS springs and hangers are like $250 + $100 something. caltrac kit is $340 and the springs are another $380
that being said the 8.75 will probably handle it if you go caltrac, i'm guessing you are at about 550hp
on the carb upgrade, maybe there is a way to get 800-850cfm a bit cheaper if some others want to chime in.
that way you could do both upgrades. fresh SS springs + fresh carb