i have 2" lowering blocks in the back of mine (kings superlows up front) and have had the back of wagon loaded up for interstate trips etc, had a trailer on to take rubbish to dump etc, with no probs. being an xr though it does have a 5leaf rear from factory. i have monroe gt gas with mine. not sure if these are stiffer than sensatrac. just keep your bump stops - esp one above diff - in good cond and tailshaft won't hit the floor. like you said its not a race car you just want it looking better. i have a pic in my gallery but bit hard to tell.

yeah reset is cheaper then the new ones, which btw are just old ones reset aswell, with the extra leaf each side you wont need to have the load plus thingie bolted on and looking all daggy, just personal preference i guess.

at the end of the day go for what you can afford and what you think you will be happy with. shocks will make a big improvement in the handling also, get a good set and you will be cheering.