Congrats on finding the problem, glad it all worked out. I have not sent my springs out to be re-arched at all. With the age, I just went with new lift springs. I will say that my USA made 1 ton rear springs for my M1031 where big $$$ but worth every penny. They ride awesome!
I'm also glad that 4 pages of banter got a result for the OP without spending any money. Going back to using my hands, you could jamb a few fingers in between the U-bolt plate and the bumpstop to see that she is off a 1/2". I would only use my calibrated fingers for measurement though...