A leaf spring system includes a main leaf pack having a main leaf spring including a first end, a second and a first surface and a second opposing surfaces extending therebetween. An auxiliary stage leaf pack is arranged at the first. The auxiliary stage leaf pack includes a first surface portion and a second, opposing surface portion. A spacer is arranged between the first surface of the main leaf spring and the second surface portion of the auxiliary stage leaf pack. The spacer includes first axial end, a second axial end. A reinforcement plate is arranged at the first surface portion of the auxiliary stage leaf pack substantially aligned with the spacer. The reinforcement plate includes a first end section, a second end section. At least one of the first end section and the second end section extends beyond a corresponding one of the first and second axial ends.