Need new suspension
The first pic shows the ball joint at an angle where its about to impinge on itself. The 2x2 is there showing about 1.5" from tire to upper inner fender. This may be somewhat above the ride height I was going for with just a little of the tire covered by the fender. If I recall it was just touching the upper bump stop. Sorry my memory is not the greatest.
The second pic is with the UCA touching the bump stop. This is an 18" wheel. I think it was a 245/45/18. A lot taller than factory. Anything taller would rub on the front of the fender. Raising the suspension much from there would expose the top of the tire. Not the look I want.
The third pic shows a test using clay showing that a 2" drop spindle would result in contact with the upper control arm with this particular wheel.
I decided the HDK was a good solution. My project is on hold so its waiting to be installed. To be clear, I am not an expert by any stretch, just sharing my limited experience.