Leaf spring swap (reverse 3/4 ton swap)

[eric67m]

I have a 1967 K10 which had almost rusted out leaf spring eyes. My old set up was 1/2 ton springs, 4" blocks and a 12 bolt rear axle (6 lug). I picked up a set of springs and U-bolts from a 1968 K20 3/4 ton with a Eaton HO52 (8 lug rear end).

I am in the process of removing the old springs and replacing with the newer springs but keeping my old 12 bolt axle. The old U-bolts were rusted on so I cut them with a cutting torch. When replacing with the new U-bolts I noticed that they are a wider spacing and leave a gap around the front and rear of the axle. Should I replace my U-bolts and use the closer spaced top plates from my original set up? The springs, U-bolts, top plates in the pictures are from the 3/4 ton Eaton set up the axle is a 12 bolt.

Is this a problem?

I appreciate your input and knowledge.
Eric