[Mike C]

Why are you worried about 8 lug in the rear and HD springs in the back when you have 1/2 ton brakes in the front? The front brakes are probably the single most important thing, and if you are going from 8 lug to five, might as well swap out the rear. You might be able to get a Weld wheel that has covered lugs, but I doubt it, the bearing hub just extends too far. Also, price on the 8 lug wheel will be significantly higher than the 5 lug due to GVWR concerns. For my money, I'd do/keep 8 lug discs in the front. IMO, either go big or go small but don't try to split the difference. You can lower the rear with shackles about 1 1/2". or Early Classics (who is the only one who makes the 2 1/4" shackles as far as I know.) They also have 4" lowering springs, but only for 1/2 tons. After doing the disc conversion on the front of my 2500 it lowered the front at least 1". i added the early classic shackles for a much more reasonable rake and have in no way compromised my load carrying ability. The 8 lug brakes are 1" larger diamet than the 5 lug.