J Crouse: Check and be sure that the upper shock mount/bushing is giving you the correct angle. You want to get your shock 90* from the angle of your suspension arm, or as close as possible. This usually moves the upper shock out far enough for your dogbones to clear the shock spring/spring retainer.
The lightweight outdrives from AE are a non composite plastic, much like YOKOMO outdrives, as previously mentioned. They will be easier to adjust and use if you be sure and use a teflon based lube on the bushings inside them. Make sure they are lubed inside the bushing where they ride on the outdrive, and on the outside of the bushing, where they fit inside the opposing outdrive. A teflon based lube will not break down the lube on the differential balls, whereas oil would. This lube can also help the diff resist meltdowns when running modified. Most teflon lube resists very high temperatures, and has good adhesive properties. I know you said you run stock... but i figured this could be useful info in the future.
- Dave