Replaced rear shocks on my '91 B250 Roadtrek camper van with heavy duty leaf springs. I noticed the shackles/straps that bind the leaf springs together about half way between the axle and the back end of the spring on both sides are broken. 1st question is what exactly do these straps do? Do they limit the travel of the springs as they rebound from a deep pothole or something? I have no idea how long they have been this way but the breaks don't look new. How important is it to have them replaced? It doesn't look very dyi unless they make one that could be bolted on. Any thoughts?

 

What I meant was that while changing the rear shocks, I noticed the broken bands on the leaf springs. Thanks for your insight😅. Another possibility: do these straps/bands just help in keeping the springs aligned???

 

You are correct.