extremely flexed front leaf spring

[Hunter L]

Hello all,
 First post here. So I've got this 1983 Scottsdale 1/2 ton. Shocks were shot and leaf springs appearedd extremely flexed on the front so I've replaced them.( shocks,springs, and necassary bushings on the front. Driver & pass. Side).
 There was a notice in the ride quality for the better though slight and less noise due to less metal on metal I suppose. But the problem is the leafs are still as flexed as the old ones if not more extreme. Is this meant to be? Any advice or positive criticism is highly appreciated. New to using this deal but will try to attempt to load photos if need be. I apologize in advance if this question has been answered previously. Looking forward to educationally stimulating words.
 Thank all HAL.

[timthescarrd]

Stock front springs on our trucks came with a negative arch, on mine the outside ends where they connect to the frame sit approximately 1-1/2" lower at center than the middle of the spring at the perch on the front axle (on a 1/2-ton with SBC and quad front shocks)

[Hunter L]

Thank you for the reply. I have to see that is a relief. Your measurement given sounds very much like mine. I can't help but look at it and think how unhealthy it looks. Wonder what kind of mod I guy could do to reverse that. I read mention of some one running rear leafs on the front. Is that a reality?
Thanks again HAL.

[timthescarrd]

The closer a spring is to flat, the better the ride is going to be. At the same amount of arch, longer springs, with the same number of leafs, will give a softer ride (to a point).  Lift springs will have a positive arch to them, (2.5" front lift springs are close to flat - slight positive arch). 

Rear springs came in either 52" or 56".  You can put 52" rear springs on the front, it requires grinding off the spring mounts, flipping them to the opposite side of the truck (driver to passenger) and bolting them on further back.  This provides about 4" of lift with less of an arch than 4" lift springs.  Here is a good write-up on the flip http://coloradok5.com/52inchspringswap.shtml

Since our trucks are close to even front/back from the factory, if you change the front springs, I would highly recommend you lift the rear to match (or a little higher to give a slight forward rake).  Lifting the rear can be done with blocks(up to 4" max), lift springs, or a shackle flip.  If you decide to lift you truck higher than 4" there are alot of other considerations to be made (transfer case drop, pinion angle, lengthened steering shaft, lengthened  drive shafts, etc.)

[Hunter L]

Yes 4" would be the max that im interested in with this deal. Awesome Bro its so cool to have my questions answered in such a swift manner. Thank you so much for the info and link.
Take care.