thanks for all the great info guys.
me thinks i will check at a spring shop for ride/travel characteristics, and then compare that with monos/lowering blocks. what is the ride like with lowering blocks? any difference? stiff suspension on an uphill washboard road is not fun.

now, any suggestions on the disk brakes? full setup from chevy duty is $800+ is it adviseable to just get the set up, or should i get donor rotors, master cyln., etc. from the 'yards and then make it all work? I read an article in one of the truck mags lately (2-4 months ago) about how difficult it is to get proper pedal feel/stopping power without a correctly matched set up. was this a 'supplier' financed article, or is true?
thanks for the advice guys....

Build 'em to Drive 'em