[Karadjgne]

1" coil drop is generally no worries. A 2" drop is best done on the spindles. The problem with 2" or larger drops is the change in suspension geometry. You end up with sizable negative camber, the tops of the tires inwards and the road contact outwards. That affects steering a lot, the slightest amount of toe making it a pain to go in a straight line down the road, and can put excessive wear on the inside tread of the tire. It can also make wet driving more dangerous, as more of the vehicles weight is on the inside, and less on the outside or evenly distributed, making hydroplaning more of a reality with loss of traction.

It's not so much a matter of whether it's ok to use a cutoff or chop saw or torch to chop the coil, it's more a matter of whether you should or not cut the coil in the first place.

A set of S-10, C-5 or stock 2" drop spindles is far cheaper than repeatedly replacing prematurely worn bald front tires.

 

[Karadjgne]

Hub swaps are imho probably easier. Pull the tire and breaks, pop the ball joints, swap hubs, put back together. No need to mess with the control arms, springs, shocks, etc.

 

[Karadjgne]

Yep. I don't believe a 2" drop would affect pinion angle enough to require adjustment. Although you should keep an eye on the drive shaft clearance, as the rear gets closer to the ground, the drive shaft will get closer to the tranny. Make sure the bumper stops are all good etc.

 

[Karadjgne]

Chop the springs. Generally means a slightly stiffer ride unless you also change your shocks to one's slightly shorter, the drop will mean your shocks have a constant pre-load.

 

[Karadjgne]

Lowering expectations is commonplace, we all do it, all the time, so no worries there. Lowering standards is a whole different ball of wax. So it's most likely a good thing your expectations were lowered by any info imparted, so you are fully prepared to maintain or surpass any standards of quality you possess. Prepared for the worst simply means when the worst doesn't happen, bonus 👍