I didn't do any modifications to the front other than installing Competition Engineering drag shocks. I set them for 20-80 for the extra weight of the big block in the front and 50-50 in the rear. I installed Energy Suspension bushings in the upper control arms. The old rubber bushings I removed by burning them out with a torch. I also installed Southside Machine lower control arms, see the "Rear End" and "Pinion Angle" sections. I left the stock springs in the front but had to change the rear springs because someone had installed a trailer package. I purchased a set of used springs from my local auto recycler. The method I used for checking ride height was to find the center of the shock travel and divde it in half. I marked the shock rod with a Sharpie pen. With the tires sitting on blocks with all the cars weight, the shocks should compress halfway or further.
    The method I use for creating clearance with the car on the ground is to cut a 4x4 in 2' lengths. Screw a couple of angle brackets to one of the 4x4s in front and behind one of the wheels. This will keep the car from rolling. Place one 4x4 under each wheel. Cost of a 8', 4x4 is less than $10.00.
    Price of bushings, shocks, and springs $333.75