Axle/leaf spring isolator?

[Purple]

Upon switching the rear axles out, the old ones had plastic between the axle and leaf spring. I guess to prevent creaks.

Does one need this? If so, where can one get it?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I got some from a local spring shop.

 

[Purple]

When I put the new axle in, the plate that goes over the leaf spring is not 100% straight in line, will that hurt anything?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would guess that a slight mis-alignment would not be a problem. Make sure that the u-bolts are at a 90 degree angle to the axle, or as close as you can get. When I installed mine I didn't notice the u-bolts were off until I stood back and looked. A little hammer-time and re-torque and I was good.