Honestly, I don't know why SLR says their AAL's won't renew springpacks, because they sure brought mine back from the dead!

As far as the difference, I think Calmini uses two heavier leaves where the SLR is 3 lighter leaves. I haven't ridden in a Calmini equipped truck, but I'm guessing the SLR pack offers a softer ride in back due to the configuration. How much difference I don't know. I think you can leave the load leaf off with the Calmini...most of us offroaders don't like the load leaf because it won't allow the springs to compress as much and it makes the ride in back more harsh. Maybe others with the Calmini setup can confirm that? Likewise, if you get longer U-bolts you could probably keep the load leaf with the SLR packs too, but I don't see the point really.

BTW, the SLR AAL's are much easier to install. With the Calmini's you have to remove your spring packs and then insert the Calmini leaves between the factory leaves. With the SLR packs you just add them to the bottom of your factory pack so you can leave the springs on the truck when you add them.

THe clamp issue has to do with them getting weak. Everytime you open and close them they get weaker. You won't need a torch to bend them...they are very soft.