I want to put my new explorer axle on top of my leaf springs. I was planning on jacking the frame and taking the back of the leaf loose from the shackle. Is it under tension. Will it come right out. Any advice

 

The only tension will be from the weight of the springs and diff. No spring tension.

 

They will want to 'bow' a little, bringing the eye of the spring forward towards the front of the truck and pulling out of the shackle. Nothing severe however.

 

ok didnt know if i needed to take cover and let a buddy take them off...

 

just support the axle enough to center the shackle with a floor jack or your "wind dummy" friend's chest. (an arm av guy knows what a wind dummy is...)

 

i have actually never done a para drop. i am a Medevac pilot, but i did spend a tour as a lift/assault guy. i do have a "dummy" friend i could use though. when i got my explorer axle, they guy removing it was under the vehicle which was being held up at a 45 degree angle by chains attached to a tractor. i just let him take it out...