Lower spring rate on rear leafs

[92ranger4L]

Not getting full travel up under normal circumstances (ie no load in bed) and the front hits bump stops while I have 2 inches of travel to go on rear when flexing out. Front coils already have a 1 inch spacer too and rear is stock. Imo it would be better to soften rear to allow fuller range of travel in rear before hitting front bump stops. I've considered 3 options: 1) remove the shortest leaf spring because on a flat surface, it's not engaged at all, but that may be too loose 2) cut shortest leaf spring down a few inches on a band saw, but that may cause the shortest leaf to put very high pressure on second leaf once it engages or 3) put a .5-1 inch spacer between 3rd and second leaf so that it doesnt add to the spring rate until deeper in the travel.

I'm definitely leaning option 3) but I want to see if anyone had any input

 

[4x4junkie]

You referring to the overload leaf? (thick bottom leaf)

If so, is the leaf relatively flat? (only very slightly arched?) Flip it upside down, if so...

I do not recommend completely removing or modifying it though, as the rest of the leaves will likely fatigue right at the axle spring perch.

You probably already know, but your load-carrying capacity will be significantly diminished.

 

[92ranger4L]

Upside down! Of course! I knew there was an obvious solution I was missing. Thanks a bunch