[mad-marc]

By my knowledge there is a minor difference between the diameter of the spring eyes front and rear of the spring.
The front side is fitted with PU or rubber bushing and the rear end with steel bushing insert.
I can try and measure a spring this weekend, I have one lying around somewere.

 

[mad-marc]

bending springs sucks.
just use longer shackle or cut off hanger and move back a bit and reweld.
or you can weld a stop behind the shackle on the hanger to stop it pivoting back to far.
this would be the easyest option and works great.