the drops are taken into consideration in the design. The advantage of using them to me is in the front end geometry, most importantly being able to use a greasable tie rod end and not the altered steering arm w/ a rod end to correct bump steer....just to point out a few, but not all the advantages.
using those shock specs...the installed ride height should be appx12.5...you can also space the shock mount down up to 1/2" by putting the desired width spacer between the factory shock hole and the shock mount. Both holes are sloted to allow this adjustment
but, back to the question....wasn't the ride height to be high enough to NOT raise the inner fenderwell and give front spoiler clearance? If you install a 13" spreader...doesn't that give appx 2.25-2.5 above the tire at ride height? Also does that then put the ride height, originally measured from the floor to the rear K frame bolt in the range that we were originally shooting for. Have to look up my notes......think it was around 13"
the lower (shorter) shock mounts will lower the front even more....wrong way..agree? prefer to use a longer and more travel shock, although what you have is close and probably very workable....I just like the extra shock travel