Remove the smaller ones till you get what you want, but the more you remove the more axle wrap you will have to deal with, eventually the rear end will get too soft, adjustable shocks should be on your list next
I think he is referring to the piece of metal that wraps around the end of the leaf pack on the upper set of leafs, that hold them all together. Idkfs?
I cut them off.
Like ive said before, you will have to find a 1/2 ton airbag kit that bolts to the outside of the frame tot he top of the leaf pack, similar to the F250+ firestone kits. You wont find 5000lb rated bags, but 3500 would be plenty, IMO.