softer rear = leaf tuning?

[Slim]

I'd like to soften the rear spring rate a little bit to make for a softer ride in my truck. I don't haul heavy loads or drive like a maniac, so i'm sure I shouldn't have any problems by removing one of the leafs out of the pack (3 leaf pack in there now, stock). Question is which one? I'm thinking the middle one would be the pick.

For reference - very recent Rancho RS5000 shocks installed front and rear and SJ 2" lift coils up front. I am also going to try removing the rear anti-sway bar, but I know this will only help so much.

I'd appreciate hearing from any that have played with this before. I'm not looking for articulation, just a softer ride.

PATIA!

 

[ILLEGALCONCEPTS]

Don't remove any part of the spring pack. Trust me, I've been there and done that. It'll cause the rear to sag and it'll keep getting worse. you could try getting the mono-leaf fiberglass spring. they are softer then the steel ones.

James

 

[Slim]

James,

Apologies for not seeing this sooner. Computer problems.

Thanks for the input. I did more research and see this is something you've warned other's of before. Thanks for that.

So would it be fair to say the Ford did just a lousy a job with rear leaf spring quality as they did with the front coil springs then?

My past suspension experience (Mustangs and T-Birds) has taught me that even an under-sprung rear will last plenty with a GOOD quality spring material being used.

If I were to convert the rear to a custom coil-over set up with a quality coil-overs being used do you (or anyone else?) think it would last longer?

I'm not looking for a drag racing set up - just something ..... better, less bite into a bump (the high-speed compression damping on these Rancho 5000s is too firm for my liking).


Any input anyone?

(p.s. I enjoyed the pics from your site, btw. Cap looks good on there now though)