8 3/4 springs on the cheap

I am strapped for spring upgrade funds for my 8 3/4 upgrade in my 64 Valiant. I do have a spare second set of 7 1/4 springs. I thought about taking a leaf or two from the second set, maybe adding some "curve" to them, and maybe adding a spacer block at each mount to give some lift? I know I'll need new plates and U bolts.