I must admit the same thought occurred to me, what with the open-ended hooks on both ends of the spring and the link. I was thinking when I made my link that if I closed the ends of the link by making a full loop instead of the half loop that it would at least stay captive on the under-body tab and/or spring if it became separated for some reason? Might have to close the ends of the spring as well. I know, unauthorized modifications and the jeep police.
I bought 3 feet of 1/8-inch cold rolled steel rod for $3 to make my link. Enough to make 5 or 9 links. I guess I'll wait and see what happens.....and put one in my on-board spares box next to the cotter pins.....
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51
“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari