the day i get a nice dually ill link the rear and bag it....not for the lowrider look but for this exact issue of stiff riding leafs, the negative part is the wrap....links will fix that
you could easily add a traction bar after pulling leafs
i will also add that a longer shackle may help soften the rear by letting the leaf stretch out more

 

That is a heck of a truck Dar

- Ryan

 

I have double convoluted airbags on my '01, and they are great. I still have all my leafs as well. Only takes 35psi to level the truck after the holiday trailer is hooked up. Doesn't ride any worse either, better if anything.