Hot Rods 49 shoebox leaf spring rebuild blues

I have a 49 ford fordor and I've recently taken the rear leaf springs off and cleaned them up. New clips, anti-squeak pads, shackles and centre bolts. I decided whilst I'm doing the clean up I may as well put some lowering blocks on so I've got some 3" lowering blocks and I'm in the process of putting it all back together.

The leaf springs are on and I've successfully lowered one side of the axle back down onto the lowering block and re-attached the plate that goes underneath (the one that the shock absorber attaches to) with new u-bolts and put the shock absorber back on.

My problem is this. The other axle plate is off by about 3/4 of an inch (see attached image). The rear end is a 9" ford rear end from a 1957 Ranchero. What can I do to get this to sit straight? I've tried pushing and pulling in every direction possible. Any advice welcome.
wrong

right

 

looks to me the axle pads welded to the axle tubes need to be relocated. is the rear end centered?

 

With the one side correctly attached, the read end isn't centered. The wheel on the side that isn't attached is about an inch further out. I can get one finger between it and the fender arch.

 

the rear needs to be centered , old pads cut off and new pads welded on

 

Hold it here before cutting etc. Did it all fit OK before you pulled the springs? If so something you did while messing with the springs has something to do with the problem. Are the springs longer on one end than the other measured from the center bolt? If so one or both may be installed backwards.

 

Maybe one (or both?) springs are just "tipped" a bit and just need to be twisted back into their correct place while you bolt 'er down . If it all fit before , it'll fit again .