54 3100 leaf springs

[Fred n' Ethel]

Had a great day out n' about with the wife Sunday. Went to visit a new friend .. Cuttin up. Brought back some goodies too. Thanks go to Cuttin up and his tractor driver.

Anyway, my 3100 has 8 leaves front and back, just like in the attached spec.
The front are, as mentioned earlier, nearly flat, barely an arch. My truck also sits lower in the front than in the back. The front of the bed is about 2-1/2" lower than the rear.

The 3100 I just got has 8 on the back and 10 on the front. I took the front springs off, cleaned them up and they are arched about 3-1/2" which would level my truck (bed) pretty well. I think that would look better. More like original ? ?

Did these trucks set level when new ? (the bed, front to back)
Is it common to put the extra leaves under the front ?
Maybe the original 8 wasn't quite adequate for a farm truck ? but fine on the highway ? just wonderin'.

The 10 leaf stack is specified for the 3/4 ton.

If I put the 10 leaf stack in mine and it levels it up nicely, will it affect the ride/handling to any dramatic extent ?

What do you think I should expect ?

Thanks again folks,

[Fred n' Ethel]

... also meant to mention, both trucks measure 38'' front springs and 54" rear so they are apparently both 1/2 ton chassis.
Thanks