Spring shacles

After taking the van completely apart and putting it on a rotiserie I'm getting ready to start putting it back together again.I should have taken some pics for orientation but I didn't so here goes. How do you tell the forward face of the front axle? I think the wedge shaped protrusions about 16" in from the outside of the front axle faces forward Can someone with a second gen van confirm this?

Oh and also does anybody have a source for front spring "U" bolts or even some used in good shape I know they are usually not to be reused but I don't think I will be able to find any new ones

I would say, if you have the spindles off and you just got a big hunk of iron sitting there, it don't matter which way it goes on,,,,,its flat,,,,and the caster shims under the springs tilt the axle backwards like a motorcycle to the correct angle,,,,,

you have 2 1/2" U bolts and what do they hold,,,,1 or 2 leafs,,,,,,,a spring or off road shop should have some if you think you need some,,,,,

Thanks Doni I had the same thoughts. but you bring up a good point, since my new springs have 4 leifs the original "U" bolts may not be long enough. I might have to have some custom "U" bolts made.

I would think 2 1/2" U bolts are a common size,,,,Hot Rod springs are 2 1/2" wide....