Dual rate leaf spring apparatus

A dual rate leaf spring suspension supports a frame member (101) over an axle (102) of a small utility vehicle. The dual rate leaf spring suspension includes a full-length leaf spring (103) and a half-length leaf spring (104) . A spacer plate (112) is the only connection point between the full-length leaf spring (103) and the half-length leaf spring (104), which is positioned intermediate the full-length leaf spring (103) and at one end (111) of the half-length leaf spring (104).