Denny,
On my 50 1 ton I took out the pins from the top of the shackle. On my frame there is a hole on the backside of the pin which allowed me to simply drift the pin out by "pushing" it rather than pulling. I was then able to do the lower pins on my workbench. I was expecting a bear of a fight too, but it went extremely smoothly. Mind you, I zip cut my old u bolts out, had new ones built and dropped my rear end to pull both spring sets for an overhaul.
Check up inside of your frame for these holes on the top pin. maybe you'll get lucky like I did if you're going as deep as I did.

Last edited by Fox; 09/09/2017 5:55 AM.
1970 Chevrolet C10
Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny
Follow the build in the Project Journal
1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually
"Ole Red Girl"
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pictures here
1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's
Parts trucks-
1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300