E-Body Leaf Spring Shackle Length

[loco340cuda]

I was under my Cuda last night and I was looking at the rear leaf spring shackles and they seem kinda long in length (to me anyways), they measured about 5" in length.  These are not the original shackles so this got me to wondering if they were the correct length compared to what came from the factory?  I'm not saying these are incorrect but it seemed like the shackle is longer then it needs to be. 

The motivation for my question is that the rear end of the car sits too high for my taste.  The leaf springs currently on the car are ESPO +1" over factory leaf springs. I would like to drop the rear end of the car down to factory ride height or slightly lower and I am trying to figure out what ways I can do this.  I believe my options are:

-changing the shackle length
-de-arch leaf springs
-lowering blocks
-combination of all of the above

What are you guys thoughts on how I should lower the rear end?  I would like to drip it at least an 1" due to the springs are 1" over but I think I might want to drop it another 1/2" beyond the initial 1".  Feel free to comment on the pros and cons of the different ways I can do this.

-Thanks

[shawge]

I'll have to go find the zero offset hangers I took off and measure them.

In the mean time, check this out
http://www.firmfeel.com/e_body_mopar_leaf_spring_hangers.html

These hangers have extra upper holes, says it can lower the car 1.5".  You could probably drill your current ones in a similar fashion if it has room.

[roadman5312]

         I just measured a set of 70 Challenger shackles @ 4  1/8 inch center to center of bolts.   

[Chryco Psycho]

Usually the shackle length has very little to do with ride height on Mopars , the rear half of the spring is softer & creates the good ride while the front 1/2 is stiffer & does most of the work , virtually everyone tha installed longer shackles ended up pushing the rear of the spring down more than lifting the car so to lower it you need different springs or have them rearced flatter or use a lowering block 

[jhaag]

If you like the way it rides I would:
1    put on the correct shackles
2    change the front hanger to ones that have the lowering holes as stated above
3    fine tune from there with a lowering block as needed
just be aware that moving the springs in relationship to the car (different mounts) may affect shock length. lowering blocks however will not
 

[loco340cuda]

Thanks for everyone's input on this, lots of good feedback.  I think what I am going to do is to get the springs re-arched to stock ride height (lower by 1") and if I am not happy i will use lowering blocks from there.