Hey guys. I own a 2011 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4. I want to get leaf springs that have a capacity rating that is lower than stock (which is 1,750 lbs.). I want something with a capacity of 1,500 or lower. I can't seem to find any. If you know of any, please let me know.

My alternative that I have been thinking of is as follows, and I'd like to know if it is SAFE and effective. So here goes:
Is it possible to remove the shortest leaf in the leaf spring bundle and still drive on those? It only has three leaves plus the overload leaf. I feel very unsure about this option.
IF NOT can I buy new leaf springs, remove the shortest leaf from those and then add the longest (or mid-size) leaf spring from my old ones to the new ones, thus getting rid of the stiffest leaf and replacing it with a much more flexible leaf?

If either of those solutions are possible, I'm assuming it will affect the height of the rear. I have slightly oversized tires (Cooper Discoverers on a 17" American Racing rim). Would it be better for me to buy spacers for the rear or can I loosen the torsion bars up front and be fine? My inclination is to buy spacer since the tires are fairly well into the wheel wells as is.

PS I cleaned my truck after taking the pictures lol. Don't mind the weird front wheel spacing. The wheels are slightly turned. It has never rubbed before.
PPS: This is also posted on Suspension Technical Forum. I wasn't getting any replies.

 

Its fine to remove a leaf to soften ride, Google: Which leaf spring to remove to soften ride

Yes, leave the over load leaf in place so you can still load the bed when needed

Generally you remove the 2nd longest leaf, the longest is attached to the shackles, lol, to reduce the weight rating and get a softer ride

This place sells 2004-2011 Ranger leafs, 1,100lbs, 1,200lbs and 1,750lbs
https://www.generalspringkc.com/leaf...-truck/ranger/

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Removing a leaf would be cheaper of course, and in most cases easier, as the shackle bolts often won't come out so need to be torched, which can be a real pain with bed on, if you try then be sure to run water in the bed above where you are torching or you WILL blister the paint in the bed

 

Thanks Ron,
I found that website like 2 hours after posting my question. I don't know why it never came up before. The leaves don't seem too expensive, but I'll take a look at the shackles before I decide. Thank you for the useful information!