Yeah, ground clearance isn't the issue it's how close the collectors are to the shackle bolts. The two are so close I had to run the bolt pointing from the inside out to minimize how much it stuck out, with the nut on the inside the end of the bolt would have rubbed the header.
Another issue I've had with long tubes is how close the collector is to the tcase crossmember. The collector (both Hedman and a cheap brand I can't remember) ends up being about 6" from the crossmember so it's tough to make the turn up and over that fast cleanly.
With respect to sound, I've never run the exact same exhaust on both types so my sound comparison is only with open headers and they are different. The long tubes, of course, sound great where the shortys had more of a manifold type sound.
I had always run long tubes on my trucks and I got tired of having to pull the exhaust for trans or clutch work so I went with the shortys and 3" single exhaust on my Blazer to get everything out of the way, a little quieter and keep it high / tight. The shorty collectors are still very easily accessible. I've read many times of people having to modify things because of interference or improper fit, my advice is if they don't readily bolt up you've bought the wrong headers. My Sanderson's fit perfectly with no interference with the frame, motor mount support bars or the clutch slave cylinder.
There's lots of arguments about power and long vs short headers but, for me, ease of access / work has value and I figured if they robbed power I just needed to build a little more in to the motor. lol
One thing I will recommend, if you even THINK you want them ceramic coated buy them like that up front. I bought mine bare to save money but they were so nice I decided to have them coated by Jet Hot, now there are small spots peeling so I need to contact them about a warranty recoat.
