Mike,
The torque tube is NOT under spring tension. The leaf spring perches clamp around the rear axle housing and are free to spin/pivot as the rear moves up and down driving down the road. When you unbolt the ball joint at the transmission the only weight you'll have is the weight of the tube, maybe 20 pounds or less.
If you need to unbolt the rear from the springs to slide it back for any reason, leave the tires on it and raise the frame up and just roll the rear back free of the body/frame. Again all your're holding up off the floor is the front of the tube.
Mike B
