Front leaf spring bump stops?

Looking under the jeep the other day and found bump stops on the frame above the front leaf springs. There are also axle bump stops, however, the ones on the springs stop the travel long before the axle bump stops hit. That configuration doesn't make any sense to me, it seems that it would put a lot of unnecessary stress on the springs and u-bolts not to mention loss of articulation. Is there any reason for these to be there or can I remove them with out causing any problems? I'll try to get some pictures of them tonight.

-Ryan

 

Feel free to remove. Mine had the same setup. All I can think of is that when the leafspring bottoms out the spring rate effectively goes up. This makes a more progressive spring in the suspension and should make hitting the axle bumps a bit more pleasant.

I just got rid of mine.

Kevo