Keep front leaf springs?

[54rustbucket]

I'm begining a ground rebuild of a '54 Chevy truck. It has original front leaf springs and solid front axle, with drum brakes. I would like to lower it a few inches. My question is how many people have kept and still use original solid axle and leaf springs? I plan on installing a disc brake kit, and maybe power steering later. I'm indecisive on how to lower the front, either with a new axle or new leaf springs. What would work better? Also I'm trying to keep cost down, hoping to stay away from a total I.F.S. swap out.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.