[Fults1971]

Originally Posted by dsraven

a dropped axle with less leaves will result in a larger drop and softer ride. if you wanted the truck to be 4" lower then just use the same springs you had before and you will be 4" lower. the ride will likely be the same as far as stiffness over the speed bumps and pot holes go. you will just be lower to the ground. this is all assuming that you will also be lowering the rear the same amount to match so weight distribution should be the same.
if you install a 4" drop axle and the also take leaves out of the spring pack you will be lowering the truck as well as lessening the stiffness of the springs. that means you sit lower AND you change how the truck rides over bumps. you may end up bottoming out on the suspension snubbers because your spring pack is now rated for less weight so the axle will sit closer to the suspension snubbers. you may end up "high centering" over speed bumps or you may drag the bumpers going into driveways or parking lot entrances.
best thing to do is install the new axle with the stock spring pack. lower the rear to match. see if you like it. go from there.

I think you are right.. the best idea would be to put back the stock springs and see how it looks and go from there..