So I have some 4-leaf 3500# springs (1750 each) that I'm going to use on my trailer build (because I have them already). These are far too stiff for what the trailer will weigh (sprung weight will be probably ~600lbs empty and let's say 1600 typical load and maybe 2000lbs max sprung if I load it up with dirt or something).
The obvious move is just to buy some other springs, but figured since I have these already might as well remove a leaf to soften them up. So, is there any way to calculate the "rate change" from removing different leaves (shortest one, 2nd longest one, etc)? Springs are 26", double-eye ends with shackle.
Edit: I'll just answer my own question and leave it here for posterity
Use this calculator to find out how much each leaf's rate is (though I think the short overload leaf at the bottom isn't counted)
https://suspensionmaxx.com/leaf-spring-rate-calculator
By my calculations there, the main leaf has a rate of 275, second leaf is 510, and third leaf is 965 = 1750...so will probably take out the 2nd spring and get the total rate around 2400, which should do fine.
