Advice Before I get Squashed !

[Shep59]

I’m ready to change out my front springs and probably need some advice from this talented audience.. I changed out the rear several years ago but the front ones kinda got me a little tense.. so, can I unbolt the bolts and raise the axle until the U-bolts clear the axle which then should remove any energy stored in the springs.. right? But I wonder just how high I have to raise the axle until the springs relax to then remove shackles etc.. my cardiologist says I’ve already used 3 lives and I’m not a cat.. so I don’t want to use anymore thanks for any wisdom yawl can provide

 

[devo]

Raise the front end and remove the wheels. Raise again until the springs are at full droop. Support the axle. Remove the U bolts. Remove the spring.

 

[sogncab]

Do one side at a time as well

 

[Gotta40]

raise it up, take off front wheels, put frame down on jackstands, then use the jack to support the axle one side at a time while you replace that spring.

 

[Shep59]

Will the shocks compress enough or should I remove them?

 

[Shep59]

Thanks all for helping the old geezer out.. I appreciate yawl taking the time!! Enjoy Memorial Day..and appreciate why we have it

 

[Living in the Past]

I do springs one at time. Lift one side and use a jack stand on that side of the axle. Then remove the wheel. I put floor jack under the spring. I use a 2" ratchet strap around the two springs at the front. Remove the nuts on the shackle your removing. I use a porta power to press the shackle out providing if was not installed backwards. The 2" ratchet strap prevent the shackle from flexing. I use a porta power to press the back plate out. Some times I need to use different length bolts to press thru the bushings together the plate out. On this one I loosen the nut a little and press on the nut to protect the thread on bolt. Once loosen I have used pry bar on the plate on the outside. Spray something to lubacate between the bolt and bushings. Have also twisted the plate to help free it on stubborn ones.
Doing it one at time the axle will be stable and not rotate. Done up to 2" lift without issue. Never done a spring reverse which probably wouldn't line up as well.

For safety I also use a good size jack stand on the frame just behind the spring. A good jack stand and three wheel on the ground less likely to an accident.

 

[Shep59]

I do springs one at time. Lift one side and use a jack stand on that side of the axle. Then remove the wheel. I put floor jack under the spring. I use a 2" ratchet strap around the two springs at the front. Remove the nuts on the shackle your removing. I use a porta power to press the shackle out providing if was not installed backwards. The 2" ratchet strap prevent the shackle from flexing. I use a porta power to press the back plate out. Some times I need to use different length bolts to press thru the bushings together the plate out. On this one I loosen the nut a little and press on the nut to protect the thread on bolt. Once loosen I have used pry bar on the plate on the outside. Spray something to lubacate between the bolt and bushings. Have also twisted the plate to help free it on stubborn ones.
Doing it one at time the axle will be stable and not rotate. Done up to 2" lift without issue. Never done a spring reverse which probably wouldn't line up as well.

For safety I also use a good size jack stand on the frame just behind the spring. A good jack stand and three wheel on the ground less likely to an accident.

Thanks.. I used ratchet straps on the rear.. nice write up