If they are already between the frame and crossmember and you didnt put them their then somebody already did it. They were either above the frame or below the frame but never between them from the factory.
Same here 89S i got a set of almost brand new oones they still had the factory grease in them and no rust or anything on them and only paid i think 25 for the set.
Its wierd some were below the frame and crossmember and some were ontop of the frame but were never between the frame and crossmember from the factory.
Find a parts guy that knows how to look them up in a DORMAN catalog. Once you find your stock ones in there its easy to find some that are a lil longer with the same knurl.
Yes replace the starter. If it is having trouble on the test stand at AZ then it wont turn the motor over because of the resistence. The starter is probably drawing more amprage then it should which is whats wrong with it.
He was big if "The Farmer" came to his funeral. I met him once in Florida at a Pontiac Drag weekend in my hometown. He grude matched against a friend of mine that had a 68 Goat
COuld what you are seeing as leaves be a rear facing link set up where the lower links facr fowards and the rear links face back. Ive seen it done before just wondering.
I still have almost 4 inches of travel in the front shocks. I only did this for a temporary fix to the sagging front end and the ride is actually no different from what it was. It handles better and rides smoother now that the springs are away from the bumpstop.