The CD skipping could have been the result of the tie rod whacking the damper, shocking the whole car. The ride quality,well, did you support the car under the axle, or the frame? If the weight was off the spring the bushings, spring leaves, etc., could have taken another "set" temporarily, sitting the car a bit higher. If the good ride goes away soon, you at least know what needs to be done to get it back. Did you move those spacers to the top of the spring? That would likely make all the difference needed.