I am replacing my rear shackle bushings. Do I need to support the springs when I un-do the bolts? Right now I have the car jacked up with Jack stands under the rear axle tubes. Is this the correct way, or should the car just be on the ground when I unbolt?

I am replacing my rear shackle bushings. Do I need to support the springs when I un-do the bolts? Right now I have the car jacked up with Jack stands under the rear axle tubes. Is this the correct way, or should the car just be on the ground when I unbolt?

There are several ways this can be done, but this is my method. The jack stands need to support the body. I typically place them under the frame rails near the front mount for the rear leafs. Then use your jack to support/raise the rear end as you remove the rear shackle. (I would do one side at a time). You can raise/lower the jack as needed to align shackle after installing the bushings.

I doubt you'd even be able to get the bolts out with the vehicle supported by the springs, and if you did, it wouldnt be pretty. Kinda like cutting off the tree limb your standing on lol. Do as mentioned above, support the body with jack stands so the rear end is unloaded the manipulate the differential with a jack while undoing the bolts. You dont want the springs supporting any of the weight of the car, since you're about to unbolt the springs.

Forgot to add... do not completely tighten rear shackle bolts until the car is sitting on the ground.

Thanks guys.