E72 has a good point. If you go Hotchkis drop springs and you don't like the ride, you'll have to take them out and then get the spindles. If you start out with spindles, you can decide if you like it that way or not. Then, if you want it stiffer, you can do that via shocks.

However, I would bet that you could unload the Hotchkis springs no problem if you didn't like them.

 

What about LCA's? All this talk about spindles and springs, and I thought LCA's were the way to go, if you want to retain ride quality?!?

 

LCA's are OK. You will see slight changes in geometry which may or may not be good, depending on application and vendor.

Spindles are the way to go on NBS trucks.

 

How bad does a shackle/hanger combo ride? Does it bottom out 24/7??

 

It shouldnt bottom out at all.

Hanger/ Shackle rides the same as stock. All it does is relocate the mounting points of the stock springs higher on the frame.

The thing that changes ride quality is change of spring/shock rate(s) and reduction of travel/ change of geometry.

You'll be fine.

 

Cool deal. Most id tow only has about 30-50lbs tongue weight.