Replacing Front Leaf Springs

[Doppleganger]

Got my rear springs on - have a really stupid question now about the fronts.

When removing the rear springs, I found that using a grinder and cutting the U-bolts is the fastest and easiest way to get the plates off. On the backs I still (painfully) loosened the 4 nuts a few turns to try and relieve the stress before cutting. I didn't do that on the first side and they popped pretty hard (fortunately I have learned the art of un-shtting my pants).

Was wondering - if I remove the bolts on each end of the springs, will that relieve enough stress to cut the U-bolts without anything drastic? I honestly cant remember if I did that with the rears - was hot, there was booze involved, etc. The fronts are REALLY fighting every turn - threads aren't pristine and the impact wont budge them.

Thanks fellas.

 

[shiftpro]

If something goes wrong and you lose a finger, feel solace in the fact you were given ten.
Same goes for losing an eye but you can do that only once... because you only have two in the first place. Smarten up.

 

[Doppleganger]

It all came apart just fine. I can still count to 10....20 with my shoes off. And still as farsighted as ever.

Thanks so much.

 

[bucket]

Cut the u-bolts almost all the way through with a cutoff wheel, then smack them with a sledgehammer. This way, they pop when you are expecting it. It's perfectly safe as long as you have the axle supported and you have safety glasses.

 

[Doppleganger]

I called Tuff Country and asked them. Guy said to get all the weight off and disconnect the front and rear eyes, then they would be safe to cut - kind of what I figured. What I wound up doing was cutting about 3/4+ of the way through, then used a cheater bar on the frozen nuts.....they twisted right off (bolts broke) smooth and easy.

Always have the safety glasses....depending on what I'm doing I also have the full face clear shield too.