Removing rear leaf to lower and soften ride

[lostviking]

My truck is a 3/4 ton, so it has a very stiff ride. There are 10 total leaves in the springs. 6 is the bound pack, and 4 additional overload springs (I guess you'd call them that).

 

I don't want to mess around with the bound pack at the top of the picture. I do however want to remove two leaf's to lower the truck and soften the ride. It will never really work again, just be used to drive and show. I'm not worried about loosing weight capacity in this.

 

Of the bottom four, I know that the shorter ones are the stiffer springs, however I've read conflicting information about removing the bottom most spring. I've also read that take two right next to each other was bad also, that you should skip a leaf.

 

What are the pros and cons of removing the very bottom, skipping one and take the next. Or, leave the bottom, take the second and forth springs.

 

I'm mostly asking to be sure I'm doing it safely.

 

Thanks.

[Tooljunkie]

That’s what i would do in the same situation. Can always put it back.  Minus 2 springs will drop it 1/2” plus what additional sag you get, if any. 

[lostviking]

The question remains, which one to pull? Two bottom, or what?

[47 dodge 1.5 ton]

 Think I would call your local spring shop and ask the question for professional advice. First thought is the bottom ones but that may point load more and cause damage. I have at least (2) shops that have provided good service over the years if you need references. 

[DJ194950]

I would think in and auto loving area  like  you live that one or more spring rebuild/replace type spring companies are around your area that would be great to get a picture or two to them and describe what you want to accomplish and ask their professional opinions and how they may help you . May be well worth a phone call or two?

 

We have two companies here in the No. cencal that has 2 within 30 miles that have been around for many years.

 

Just my 5 Cents,

 

Late to reply as i am slow typist!!

 

DJ

Edited April 13, 2022 by DJ194950
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[lostviking]

You would think, but then again if it isn't 4x4 related, there isn't much interest. I have trouble getting a simple answer from anyone I've asked. They just want to get the truck and install a custom setup.

 

I've also talked to the bigger guys, who sell new springs for our trucks. They want to sell new springs.

 

I've done a bunch more reading since I first posted. It seems that removing the bottom two leaves is something people have done, and doesn't break any "rules". I'm going to do it. The 1/2 ton springs are in fact 8 leaves, rather than the 10 I have. Might be the only difference is the two I'm taking out. I already have the replacement centering bolts.