1) I didn't want to l;eave the shackles loose but a good mate of mine who has worked on many a landrover reckoned that that is how they were supposed to be. Did i find them that way...no i didn't...am i doing them back up...yes sir i am indeed.
2) The bushes that are in the curly ends of the paras are the ones that came with them. everything from that point of view fitted like a glove, there were no gaps no wobbly bits...in a word it was almost a sexual experience with the way it all just fitted together. (maybe having to look at the galv chassis added to that).
3)the front springs are exactly the same, they are grey...they have the same serial number...they measure the same, i beleive that they are symetrical. We turned them round to see if this was the fault with the rubbing on the chassis, it was not.
Anyhoo, After talking to you kind people i now have two or three things i can try...
1) Loosening the bolts off on either end of the paras, Jacking the TRUCK (sorry yella) back up and and down, then nipping the bolts tight with all the weight on them.
2) Do the shackles back up tight as i found them (thanks for reassuring me Ashoofack).
3) Last ditch effort...take a grinder to the leading edge that is rubbing.
Another mate who goes by the name of Reload (coz he is always missing) suggested cutting part of the spring curl off as it seems to be useless. the only part of my reply to him that i can publish is "no ferkin way" (the rest consited of mainly swear words in seven different languages.)
thanks guys i will get back to the forum with my findings.