The springs are very aggresive, thats for sure. Im not sure what the manufacture quotes for the drop, but measuring before and after (from a chalk mark i made on the lip of the wheel well to the center of the hub) its a 2.9 inch drop in the back and a 3.1 inch drop in the front.

The springs have no pads, or anything of the sort. In fact, I found it a little odd that the spring sits right on the strut pearch with nothing in between... could this be an issue?

I kept on my original rubber bushings, so you all may be right, as I can imagine these making the noise. I will look into plastic bushings I think. I went through and everything was tight. It was just odd how everything was fine for the first few days, then the creaking started.

Thanks for the responses!