Technical Unsprung?

I need to replace the shackle bushings on my ride. The axle is hanging free — no shocks, no driveshaft, brake line tee disconnected (see pic below). Is this what it should look like with the spring “relieved”?
I’ve never dealt with transverse springs before.
Thanks!

 

With no weight on the springs, they look alright. With weight, the shackles should ride at a 45-degree angle. What is your plan for disassembling the shackles? There are a lot of threads on here about taking springs apart and putting them back together. Check this one out: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/posts/15427945/

 

Thanks! That’s exactly the information I needed!

 

Lots of guys will disassemble the spring leaves first to make the arch less. Two giant C clamps, and then loosen the center bolt slowly as you loosen the clamps.

 

Yes, Matt at Irontrap amongst others has a video or two showing how to do it with clamps.

 

I’ll check that out. I have a very healthy respect for springs since I crushed my left hand in a strut press when I was 19. Back when auto parts stores turned drums and rotors, pressed on axle bearings, etc. using ignorant kids and poorly maintained equipment. My initiation was being tossed a charged condenser while I was washing my hands. Heads up!! Ah, those were the days…