Currently my 72 malibu sits with the lip of the quarter panel a good 4 inches above the tops of the rear wheels. It was like this when i purchased it. Actually, before it sat a little higher, but my mechanic replaced those spings with different ones to where it sits today. My question is what is the stock height of rear springs? because im pretty sure the ones i have in there now are for a station wagon or something else. I want to know if i need regular springs or lowering springs to bring it to a good height. Also when the mech. tryed to lower it before the quarters rubbed the outside of the tires. I have not measured the height of the current springs yet.

ps. its a small block if that makes a diff., and rear air shocks

Well if it has air shocks on it try letting all the air out and see if it doesn't lower down some, if it does and it gets to a level that you like then replace the air shocks with regular gas shocks.

What size tires are on there? What is the backspacing?
FWIW, I had air shocks and who knows what kind of springs on my 72 when I bought it. I replaced the rear springs with stock springs from Car Quest and KYB GR-2 shocks. The car sits better and rides much better. If the tires are too big you will need to replace tires or rims, or both so they fit.

The air shocks do nothing to change the height. The springs hold it at the same position, with the shocks on or off.
The tires are 275 60 15, backspacing - unsure.
I would like to go without replacing the tires or rims since there new. I just cant figure out what the heck kind of springs i got back there.

72,
mine was the same way. I thought they were wagon springs but who could tell? As for the tires, I am not sure if they will fit at stock height. Someone else should know.....

I replaced the rear springs with three inch drop springs. I have same sized tires on 15x8 Rally wheels with std backspacing. When the family piles in for a cruise in the mountains the tires rub. Early on in the restoration, before paint, I rolled the quarter lip to give more clearance but did not roll the left. Unfortunately, the left is the one that rubs. I guess that is the price you pay for a little fun.