Rear Axle Spacer/Stopper Placement

[divemaster5734]

Have searched for an exploded view of a '04 rear suspension to no avail. Tried to order a pdf download, then got an email it would be sent snail mail in 7 days.
Am having an issue with the "bottom out" spacer position.
Everything I've read to date said it goes below the leaf springs.

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Then I realized that makes a huge gap, which looked bigger that the leaf spring to body gap.

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It's actually around 9 1/2" to the stopper from the spacer.
I stuck the tape measure there as a pointer.

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The gap to body is actually around 7" to the U bolt ends.
I'm thinking the spacer needs to go above the springs.
There's no manual for the C350, and all end ride heights are unknown.
That said, the truck is on stands and mostly level.
As it sits, the back of the truck would sit at least 3"-4" higher than the front, even giving the approximate additional 2" that will come with the RS kits and '04-'08 springs.
I'm sure I'm over analyzing, but anyone know what the normal distance is from stopper to bumper?
Moving it to above the springs should be around 7" travel from normal ride.
Thanks

 

[franklin2]

If you are not stock and fabricating something different than the factory had, you will have to engineer it yourself. You are thinking correctly, you want it to hit the rubber bumper before it contacts metal to metal anywhere else.

 

[divemaster5734]

If you are not stock and fabricating something different than the factory had, you will have to engineer it yourself. You are thinking correctly, you want it to hit the rubber bumper before it contacts metal to metal anywhere else.

Thanks, was hoping for a consensus, this project being my "cherry breaker"..lol






UPDATE: They made it idiot proof.
The leaf springs change the polarity.
Trying to put the spacer above puts a protruding knob against another knob with correct spacer orientation.
Just to make sure, the spacer knob will only fit into the axle hole.
The spring knob will only accept the top plate hole as it is smaller than the axle hole.
I'll cut down the U bolts again, already cut 1", another 1/2" will put the spacer about an inch closer to the stop than the leaf spring to body.
I've lost count how many times I've taken that stuff apart and put back together.