I've always lifted the rear by the differential and placed jack stands under the axle. But if you need to let the axle hang (e.g. to remove the springs) and you've got jack stands under the frame then the shocks seem to be the only thing holding up the axle (and differential), correct? Are shocks designed to do that? How much does the rear weigh? Can it by left like that indefinitely, or should you only allow the axle to hang for as long as necessary.

 

You're not going to hurt the shocks, unless they're cheesy ones. Btw, to remove the springs, you disconnect the shocks so you can swing the rearend down low enough, then the springs literally fall right out. Watch out for tension on the brake hose, and disconnect it from the bracket if necessary.

 

They're original, so cheesy might be accurate!

Thanks for the tips.

 

Yeah, been this way on many GM products since the early 70s at least -- you disconnect the shocks and lower the rear to remove/install the rear coil springs. Not a problem at all.

And you *do* have to watch out for overstressing the rear brake hose.