Spider rear spring boosters, stock?

[JeffreyOlson@domain.elided]

Not sure why I never noticed but the rear springs in my 
recently acquired '78 Spider have two coil boosters 
added to each side.

Are these to correct the ride height to US-specs or 
installed by the P.O. to compensate for sagging 
springs/shocks?

I would like to remove them but I don't want the car to 
appear nose-high.

The car seems to have the rear ride height slightly 
higher than the front when empty and slightly tail low 
with one just occupant.

Getting ready to rebuild the front suspension and wonder 
what I should do to improve the whole package while I'm 
at it without spending too much.

Thanks!

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