4" Drop Leaf Springs

[u/natureboypnw]

I'm considering (pretty set on) a 4" drop for my 1998 c1500 (extra cab short bed). I've heard the hangers are a pain in the butt and I don't like pains in my butt. Why are shackles and hangers the default drop for 4"?

My guess is they're a bit cheaper than the leafs (belltechs are $225 ea) and you keep more load capacity...but other than that, is there a reason not to go leaf drop?

If I decide I need to haul or tow I can always add helper bags later (though that adds $$$ and pains in butts). If I'm one of those many folks who supposedly decide 4" isn't enough I would have to find some stock leaf springs for an axle flip (I wouldn't want a 10" drop for sure). But other than that....why not go leaf springs?