What is the difference between leaf springs and trailing arms, besides the obvious?

[bulldoze76]

As you can see I am kind of new to the forum, and have recently purchased a 1965 SWB Fleetside with leaf springs.

From looking around I know some trucks have leafsprings, and it seems a larger amount have trailing arms. I found one site about that sold trailing arms for c10 and refered to the leaf spring truck as a light duty. So is it safe to assume that a leaf spring is the lighter duty, as compared to a trailing arm set up?

My truck is totally stock, and I would like to lower its stance all around. No bags just a lowered stance for better handling.

I have seen that you can get a flip kit for the leaf springs to level it out. Is that the only option?

Is it a waste of money, and time to convert to a trailing arm set up? Is it possible? Possible reason for wanting to convert is possible airbags in the future?

Sorry about all the questions.. any info and input appreciated!

Will