Rear Spring Pad Necessary?

[Drewhelm]

I'm using a 8.5 10 bolt rear in my 69 Firebird which has the universal type spring perches welded on and 2 u-bolts going over the rear axle and through the original shock plate. When I first assembled this I used the rubber multileaf spring pads, but they seem to have split. To I "NEED" a spring pad between the persh and the spring or can I make a solid mount without the pad?

Thanks!



Drew