[Bob Carriere]

Rob......

...look at the recent picture compared to the original picture you took before the disassembly...... your spring pad is reversed in the new set up compared to the original.....

....but not to feel bad so his Phil's spring pad....

who is right???

Also check the style of the little bracket where the link rod attaches to the axle...... Phil's has reinforcement raised edges yours are made flat and yours seem to have a certain bent angle.
None of the above would affect the lack of clearance.

...only a HUP.....

Bob