Do you have a spring shop near by?
Call or take the truck over there, and explain what you want to achieve.
They should have some professional advice and recommendations on what to do. They can even do the work, and they will have or can make new U-bolts, as you should never reuse suspension U-bolts.

Grigg

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-