While the 2003 IRC does have details showing exterior masonry veneer supported by wood/light frame steel studs (p. 214), these appear to be applicable for Seismic Design Categories A, B & C only, leaving all of us in D1 and D2 out of luck (R703.7.2, p. 209). Note that if you're in SDC A, B or C...
Yes, please check out the shear wall forums as they most likely will have the best advice. However, you may want to note the following EQ design procedure which I've taken from seminar notes on the 1997 UBC:
1. Select basic structural system.
2. Identify lateral force-resisting system.
3...
If you want to get somewhat analytical (but not much, really), take a look at Division III - Design Standard for Anchorage to Concrete in the 1997 UBC (assuming this applies in your area). It details a method to calculate service load design values for both tension, shear and combined tension...
In the 1997 UBC, Chapter 23, Section 2316.2, Table 2.3.2 has two footnotes which address using load duration factor Cd greater than 1.33. However, the footnotes refer to "... connections exhibiting Mode III or IV behaviour..." which I cannot find any reference to within the UBC. I...