That 9" gap is roughly equivalent to 3" of up travel on a 4" spring lift. Try harder.
Dent the tub to get the axle higher.
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Also, trim the uppers so that the round seat is contacting the frame arch on both sides. This will raise the collapsed height of the bags relative to the frame.
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I've got the spring pads so they are touching the frame pretty close. I know in my one picture it is hanging down just a little but it goes all the way to the frame. When I clamp them in I'll make sure they are flush to the frame.
Are you saying that with a 4" lift spring when you have 9" of space between upper and lower pads that is 3" of up travel? And what is the total up travel?