Leaf Springs too flat?

A couple of months ago, I decided to replace my left front shackle. As you can see from this photo, the shackle was slightly bent:



When I removed the left front shackle, I discovered that not only was my shackle bent, but my left front spring was twisted which, when combined with the bent shackle and worn out front bushings, was causing a lot of wear on the left front hanger. I decided to replace the entire front suspension. So, two new greasable shackles, two new bushings (for the rear hangers), two new shocks, four new axle u-bolts (had to drive all over town to various local auto parts stores to collect these on a Sunday evening when I discovered that the kit I ordered from 4 Wheel Parts had 1/2" diameter u-bolts, instead of the stock 7/16" . . . this was followed by the pleasure of trimming all 8 ends down using a hacksaw from midnight to 2am so that they wouldn't stick too far below the spring plates . . . I know, I know, could have used a grinder, but didn't have one available at the time . . . but hey that's part of what makes owning a jeep so much fun, right!) and two used leaf springs from my local used parts supplier (FNJeep) later, I put it all back together and she drives like a dream. Much smoother over the bumps, much tighter in the turns, and the slight vibration I felt between 60 and 70 mph is almost gone.

When I took her out for a spin yesterday, I noticed my leaf springs are sitting pretty flat. So, my question is this: are my two used leaf springs not springy enough? Are they too flat? And if so, what are my options? Should I not drive it until I replace them? Should I limit my driving (ie. no off-road)? The springs are original equipment off of a 74 CJ5 and they were both within .25" of original specs for overall length when I measured them before installation (in fact, they were both just slightly shorter than original specs). Here are some pics (no one was sitting in the jeep when these were taken):

Left front spring:








Right front spring:







Thanks in advance.

 

Place unloaded Jeep on level ground.
I generally consider the original leaf springs to be servicable if the shackles rest at near verticle to a maximum angle of 45*.

 

yep they look flat to me .you said it drove good , then save some money up and buy a new set of springs and shocks (lift kit). and replace everything later ,40 yr old jeep wants some new parts

 

Thanks. Here's a photo of my unloaded jeep on level ground. Is this servicable?

 

It's not the end of the world, and you can drive it still, but they're pretty flat.
I'd just drive it as is and save your $$$ for some new replacements.
BTW, Rocky Mountain Spring is a good source for u bolts, and I don't go to FNJeep except as a LAST resort....

 

Thanks, I'll keep them in mind. I also found this supplier of OEM leaf springs for jeeps (all kinds) - http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Jeep_s/1948.htm. Anyone familiar with General Spring out of Kansas City?

I'm beginning to learn that. The main reason I went with them for the springs I put on this time around was the jeep was parked somewhere it couldn't stay and I had to find replacement springs fast. I guess that kinda fits the "last resort" category. They charged me $45 a piece.

 

You need to make friends with Warloch!