Rear leaf spring "tensioner"??

[prowler]

These factory brackets are for the leaf springs. They have the leaf's top shackle bolt go through them. Without them, there would be nothing to attach the top of the shackle to. Under normal load, the small bar rides across the top portion of the shackles on both sides. It looks to me like the idea of this was to limit shackle movement, forcing more control on the leaf's themselves making for a smother ride.
My next problem is replacing the oval bushings. I thought I was going to be able to tap the old out with punch and hammer. NOPE,..they're in there !! There's a special factory tool (of course) used for install and removal. I looking at making something that'll hopefully work.

 

[Mikes5thAve]

It sounds like you're talking about the normal bracket with the pin through it? Otherwise again we need pics!

When the bushings don't easily slide out they need to be pressed out, cut or burnt. A ball joint type puller should work or maybe being creative with a nut and bolt and socket and a couple big washers.

 

[AMC Diplomat]

It sounds like you're talking about the normal bracket with the pin through it

Beat me to it, I was typing the same thing