coil spring front

Those aluminum mounts are slick!

Question - Could using a coilover with a stud upper mount allow for a longer shock/spring combo?

it could.....but when using the OEM shock hole, the 3-1/2od coil spring contacts the frame rail and would require modification. The HDK upper mounts not only re-enforce the OEM bracket, provide a bolt on flange for the chromoly support hoop, but cheat the upper shock mount outward slightly.....same as on the HDK LCA. the shock mount is moved outward.