F250 Front Leafs - Process for Replacing?

OK. Bonehead question. Can somebody tell me the right way to remove the front leaf springs on my 78 F250?

I've never owned a leaf sprung car/truck and need to get these off so I can replace the bushings. What's the safe way to do this? I don't want to just start unbolting stuff, waiting for something to wack me in the face or chop off a finger.

Thanks....

I believe all you need to do is take the weight off of it.. There not like coil springs were there's prusher on them all the time. Might want to remove the shock as well just so its not holding them up..

tim

Yeah Jon, Lift and support the front by hangning the wheels about 1/2" off the ground with Jack stands on the frame, either before or after the axle, just somewhere safe.

Then use your floor jack to suport the side of the axle that you are removing first by lifting it an inch or two, depending on the need for pressure on the bolt or off the bolt at that time.

Once the bolts are loose you will be able to raise or lower it according to the requirements of the arch of the new springs, and easily get the old bolts out.

FE

Thanks Gary and Tim. Guess I gotta get some real tall jackstands and use my hi-lift jack. Much appreciated.

Yep. Just lift up the body to let the front end droop, then support the axle with a floor jack. Undo the bolts, and lower it all down. Easy as pie.

If the U bolts are rusty then just cut them with a torch and take the pieces to spring shop and they will fab you up new ones for cheap and save you much time on removal and installation.

Thanks for the replies guys. I made the swap without hurting myself. Thanks.