preferably w/o removing the bed. 2000 GMC - I have them loose but can't get a good swing because of the bed. Any suggestions?

LK

 

With a torch. Go buy new ones and reinstall the opposite way.....

 

you have to put a board on a jack and then jack the truck up on the spare tire. it unloads the springs a little so you can get the bolts out easy.

 

I agree...

I jacked the truck in the back under the frame on both sides till the tires were clear. My truck has a factory tow package so I had to remove it to get the bolts all the way out. This should give you enough room to get the bolts out. You might need a friend to wiggle the axle a little to help out. No need to cut the bolts and replace them.

Hope this helps,
Steven

 

Yea, That will work... Then I can just get new bushings after I burn them out, Not really an option.

LK

 

or you can take your time and do it right.

1. Jack up the Chassy, and set it on stands ( i did mine near where the front of the rear leafs attach to the chassy. Also known as the hanger)

2. take a floor jack and put it under the rear diff. jack up just enough to give good support to the rear so that its no longer hanging completely depending on the truck.

3. loosen bolts and take the nuts off. The bottom should push through easily.

4. Jack up on the rear end untill the top bolt clears the frame/ chassy but is still under the bed. push the bolt over the frame and the shackle will come off.

5. Do the previous steps in reverse for the new shackles.

6. stand back and thank god your truck doesnt have its *** in the air anymore.

 

easiest way i did it took it to my race car shop took the bed off the truck had a couple buddies help me pick it up lay it to the side take the load off the spring and get them out of there. thats the easiest way or if you have a drive way back the truck up to the lowest part of the driveway and lift the bed straight off just be careful not to truck the fiberglass if its a stepside like i did oh well fixed now

 

Is this a stepside? If so, you will have to take the last 2 bolts out of the bed on each side and raise it up just a little.

 

yeah, stepsides are harder than fleetsides. I just got a engine hoist and put chains to all 4 tie down loops inside the bed of a stepside, took out the bolts that attached the bed to frame then lifted the bed up about 2.5 ft, then did shackels.