M109A3 Leave Spring Saddle Removal Question

[Taurus454]

I am replacing the leave springs on my 1968 Kaiser-Jeep M109A3. I am following the procedures in TM 9-2320-209-20-3-2, paragraph 17-6, starting on page 17-29. I have removed the four bolts on the U-bolts with no problem. The next step is to remove the saddle and I can not get that thing off. I am looking for ideas. I am sure there is an easy way but I do not know what it is.

I tried tapping on the U-bolts with a hammer but do not want to damage the threads. I will try and put a 2x4 under them and hit it the board.

My next step is to put a pry bar in the saddle and beat up on the pry bar with a hammer. I thought of putting a come along underneath with a bar across the metal slats of the Shop Van but I don't think the metal slats are thick enough to pull up.

I am sure some there are some smart guys who know how to do this real easy and am asking for help.

Thanks in advance to all the helpful replies!

 

[peashooter]

So you are trying to get the spring saddles off the front axle? You have the nuts off the u-bolts, have you jacked up the frame or spring to separate it from the axle at all? The leaf spring has a stud in it as does the axle that fit into holes on the saddle. When I removed mine I had to jack the spring up a couple inches to get clearance to remove the shim. Do you have a picture of the problem area as it sits now? I'm probably not understanding your issue correctly.