If the rubber pads are missing from the tops of the springs, and the springs are tired or have broken, that would definitely lower the ride height and could cause your issue. You should be able to see the edge of the rubber pad at the top of the spring, and it should have 1, 2, or 3 little nubs that indicate how thick it is.

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Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC