Money spent on maximum adjustability and strength is money well spent. Coilovers? Decent shocks are also a must.

What is your chassis shop guy recommending?

Backhalving the car? Minitub with stock frame rails? Really, with the systems and parts available for leafs these days, I don't think I would bother with ladders unless I was going to a big tire. Just getting the car lower can be done with leafs. And it can be made to hook.