The antenna should not be aimed into the ground usually. The majority of installations work best with the antenna aimed at the horizon. In some cases, a few degrees of tilt above the horizon can be helpful, but here your stations are all 'line of site' so I doubt any 'tricks' are needed. The antenna should "face" the NE.
Here is a link re.
antenna aiming that covers the common antenna types.
New RG-6 will have less loss than the old RG-59... if there is any doubt about the condition of the RG-59, replace it. If it has ever had moisture inside, toss it.
Before replacing the RG-6 inside the house, try running to just one set, to be sure you have the antenna aimed and delivering a good signal.
Then if you loose the signal by running through older parts and cable, you know were to look for the trouble.