Suspension Rate Question

Hello, new here and hopefully this is the right place to post this. My son just turned 15 and we are working on building his first project, a 1999 Ranger with a 5.0. I found a higher rate spring for the front that will lower it about 2". My question is on the correct rate for the rear. Because its a pick up do I want it to be stiffer or softer in the rear. I have read up on and understand the whole sway bar issue. That will be tackled separately. There are three different springs for a stock ranger, rated in load, 2550, 2650, 2750. We have the lightest ones in the truck now and they feel really soft. I have a truck that we are parting out and it has the heaviest ones. I am used to Fox body Mustangs where I can just buy a matched set of four springs, with this, I have no idea. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

I would try the stock leafs for now.  Soft helps the rear end hook up. Too stiff, and the truck may become skittish and less fun.

You can always add leafs to get more rate if you want.  You can de-arc them for height as well, but keep some arc in them; don't let them curve down under load.

Trucks are trickier than Mustangs because the load can change so dramatically. If this is for driving instead of hauling, I'd go with the softer ones.

Maybe try the softest springs and then add coilover shocks with light springs to fine tune it. An idea I ran across when thinking on options for my MGB, not many spring rate choices for them.

What will the truck be used for?

I've read of people moving to a softer spring and adding a panhard/watts with good results.

It will be primarily street driven, but he wants to try autocross and drifting. Possibly some road course stuff. I was thinking to use a panhard bar. We are on a very tight budget so trying to make good choices. I realize that there is no one perfect solution, just trying to pick the best all around choice. since there is relatively no weight in the back I don't want to make it too stiff and have him sliding out all the time. But do want it to be stiff enough to handle a little better.

How does it handle now?

Haven't driven it. It's on jack stands awaiting the 5.0 swap. I am trying to figure out the best base setting before I sell the extra parts from the parts trucks.

Start soft. If it never gets used for truck stuff the soft originals may be too stiff already.

Definitely no truck stuff other than the possibility of a small utility trailer to the track.