RCsilly(Bob): I have been using white rears in stock with good success. The new gray rears are harder than last year, plus it seemed to actually loosen up the car in the center of the turn. The white acts like it has less side bite. Gray will probably be the choice at Cleveland...small dia.
GTP03: A stiffer center spring takes bite away from the rear making the car turn better.
yobbism: Speedmerchant has Old Skool front ends available through their mail order.
Ted