Figured out axle problem. Housing was deeper than bearing thickness, plus gasket thickness, plus backing plate thickness, allowed for .150" motion. Will fabricate up shims.

Ran a ride height line along the side of the car and set the rear slicks in place. Setting up for about 4" ground clearance in the front and 6" in the rear. Significantly lower than before. For the first time, the lower ladder bar will actually be able to adjust above and below parallel to ground.