Lowering 72 LWB with Leaf Springs ?'s

[Gary]

Ok I'm getting ready to start some suspension work and I'm like everyone else, as in, not rich, so I'd like to keep a decent ride while lowering the stance of the truck without busting the wallet!

On the front - springs or drop spindles? I'm thinking about a 2 or 2.5 inch drop (for now anyway). If I decide to go lower later would I be better off now to go spindles or springs (and maybe add the other later for a 4 inch drop)?

I figure the springs on the truck are probably already somewhat wore so springs might need to be replaced anyway (any easy way to tell?).

Now for the rear - carolinaclassics has the ECE 4" drop leaf springs for $349 and I've found Belltech's at zmotive.com for $147 each ($294) is there a reason I should spend the extra $50 for ECE springs? Is just removing a few of the factory leaf springs and using a drop shackle a good idea or a bad idea?

Thanks for any help, suggestions, or insights