here are the two latest versions...on the left lowers the front by 1.25", the right by 1.5". the fatter part at the bottom is for the bump stop/bellows, and an unknown diameter until i have one to use. both versions require shortening the "native" threads of the KYB damper since theyre so short, and i figured 10mm between the end of the female threads and the shoulder/start of the male threads seemed about right. neither is to scale, although i tried to fake it by counting grid squares. the 20mm of shank on top is the approximate depth of the strut mount bearing, and i left the threads extra long so they could be trimmed to length then be fashioned with wrench flats.
i'm leaning towards 1.25" so that i can add spacers if its too much, like grade 8 washers. after several days of searching online for various bump stops and bellows i've learned that in the aftermarket they're basically all made by KYB and are universal fit. all the bellows are the same and the only variation, for the most part, is in the shape of the bump stop. KYB's range of products are designed to fit a huge variety of vehicles, so i just picked one with the shortest bump stop, SB 103:
i'm not sure exactly how i will attach it yet, but it should arrive early next week from rockauto.com. once its in my hands i can finalize the shape of the bottom edge of the stub and take my plans to the machinist...
