Doing an add-a-leaf. Can you leave the front leaf spring bolts in?

[bcso290]

So in order save time, busted knuckles and sore shoulders I was wondering can you do the add a leaf with the front spring bolt left in?

[BlackYeti]

Yup you sure can. I have just unbolted the U bolts and dropped the axle down far enough to get them in.
Make sure you put a C clamp on both sides of the centering pin before you take the pack apart.
Happy wrenching, and consider yourself lucky you don't have to mess with the weld nuts.

[4.3LXJ]

Yes, you can do it without removing the main leaf on either end

[bcso290]

Ended up getting them to come loose with help from a friend that is built like a brick h!t house.