new leaf springs. Is thicker better?

so I had to replace my leaf springs again. I bought a new set from espo/springs and things about 6 years ago.
They were for an early b. BUT, I got hangers from firm feel and got the modded hangers for ebody leaf springs.
This caused the leafs to flattened the leafs after about 2 years. Which I didn't realize at the time what had happened.

I finally got a chance to pick up a new set. Went with an ebay seller for mckveigh's springs.

So they were for an ebody with 2 inch lift.

look at how much thicker they are compared to the espo springs.


Top one is my old espo spring, bottom 2 are the new springs.

middle of the packs.


overall


the angle is bad, but you can see the old set is longer than the new.

now the hangers are basically vertical with the car on the ground, which I guess is ok.
I don't remember if they should be pointed forward or back, but I think back?

Thicker generally means stiffer and it looks like your new springs have a lot more arch than the old. Going for the N50's air shock look?

As for the rear shackle, the top should point forward.

I see what looks like the factory style shims between the leaves on the new springs. That may be giving the impression of thicker springs. Basically the new springs are more correct.
Length needs to be measured along the arch of the spring not just eye to eye.

actually both are +2 over stock.
damage done to the old set makes them "flatter" I guess.

The hangers also have 2 holes. and I put these in on the upper hole to keep it level, but haven't decided if I like that yet and might switch it up.

it also pushed the wheels back a little too.
the old ones sucked the wheels up pretty close to the front of the opening. These make them look more normal.

I once used a Dodge leaf spring hanger instead of a Plymouth in 68 RR without understanding the difference. Later, I realized this moved the rear axle back about 1 inch, and of course pulled the drive shaft one inch out of the transmission. It caused vibration problems at highway speed.