I see what you mean about bushings. It has shackles on one end. It almost looks homemade'ish. We will call it "shop made", a nicer way of saying it. Could be an aftermarket unit or parts from one. I can't say what's best to do with all that. I can say with that design, it never did a dam thing.
I think you’re right, it probably didn’t do much. Either way, I don’t plan on reinstalling it.