What's going on here with my rear suspension? (pics)

[goose_on_fire]

Couple of pics to set the stage ('69 C10 long step).

I'm looking at the chassis service manual and noting that auxiliary leaf springs were an option on a '69 C10, but what I'm seeing here ain't matching the picture in the book...

Yes, those are blocks of 2"x2" wood in the chassis (to prevent it from collapsing from those u-bolts?!), and the rubber pad bouncing against the control arm.

So I'm guessing this is in no way stock, but wondering how bad an idea it is, how lame it is, whether it could possibly do any good at all, etc. I'm new to these trucks.

Thanks for the help!