I'm thinking about buying a 1961 109 and am mystified by a picture from the seller that shows what look to be two canvas(?) belts hanging from the suspension and looped around each side of the differential. I've never seen anything like this. Should I be worried? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Looks like some form of limiting straps. Not done up in a modern day fashion, though. Regardless of that, would such a rig need them? The leaf springs and standard shackles would be limiting enough. Got me...

 

Also, since the pix shows newer shocks, and typical road grime / oil leak residue; I would think the straps should also be much more dirty. Perhaps they were rigged by previous owner as part of the shock change out? Would not want them to snag on something while off road, etc.

 

They are to limit articulation.

 

Thanks, Disco Mike. In other words, they reduce stress/stretching of the leaf springs by preventing the wheel assembly from descending too far away from the undercarriage?