Rear leaf spring question

[LeesTruk]

My '80 SWB C10 has 56" rear leaf springs with a 4 leaf pack (3/1). Most every place I've checked offers a 52" 4leaf spring or a 56" 9 leaf spring, but not a 56" 4leaf. I don't want to move the rear spring hanger forward, so was wondering how much it would hurt to just get a 56" 9leaf and remove a few leaves? Of course, lowering the rear would be nice, in the process. Any thoughts?

[Mr.Chevy4x4]

Plenty have done it with few ill effects. The only real problem you may run in to is spring wrap if you are heavy footed and your truck gets decent traction. I've done it with good results, just don't get too carried away with how many leafs you remove. On the positive side, the truck will ride softer. Mike

[LeesTruk]

Generally speaking, are the shorter lower spring leaves the ones taken out?

[Mr.Chevy4x4]

Yes. If you start with a 9 leaf pack you could start with the overload, and then if they were numbered from the shortest (overload is 1) I'd take out 2 and 4 and try it out. You'll just have to experiment to see what works best.

Mike

[LeesTruk]

Thank you, sir