Hey littlebudnic, you are in luck. I just removed mine the other day and I have a resource in your area.
First I chocked the rear wheels. Then I put on a pair of nitrile gloves and safety glasses. Then I used a 20 ton air over hydraulic jack that I purchased from Harbor Freight Tools. I use a large section of thick walled five inch square tubing to span between the frame rails just behind the front bumper. With the jack centered on this I can lift the whole truck at once. Then place heavy duty jack stands under the tubing. Chock front wheels so your axle won't roll after removing springs. Spray some WD40 on the U-bolt nuts and use a large breaker bar to remove. I needed to slide a pipe over the breaker bar to extend its length for more leverage. It takes a mighty effort to break those nuts loose. I then let the axle drop below the level of the leafs. I then lowered the truck to take the pressure off the shackles so they can be removed. The front shackle bolts are like a big screw. The rears and big bolts. Be careful removing the leafs. They are very heavy and if they slide down on your hand you will get mashed.
Once removed call Benz Spring in Oregon. Ask for Jim and tell him I sent you. After he gets done laughing he'll take good care of you. They manufacture springs rather than order from a manufacturer and then send to you. Even with shipping to Southern California they offered a much better price than any other spring shop I contacted. Be sure to ask for friction pads. They don't cost extra and offer some squeak suppression. That is unless you like those nostalgic rattles and squeaks!!!
Not technically hard but physically challenging. Be careful, take your time and let us know if you have any other questions.
http://www.benzspring.com/
