Need some help - removing orig. leaf springs

I've got the U bolts & spring seat, shackle pin and hanger pin bolt removed, and the brake cable disconnected.
The axle is lowered, body on jack stands. The leaf springs still have tension on them and I can't lower more them to remove them. See the pics below. How far can I lower the axle or raise the frame? Should I be concerned about the drive-shaft by lowering the axle too much? The driver's side springs are still connected - is that a problem? The pic of the hanger pin bolt looks like the jack stand is in the way but it's not, completely out of the way.

Any suggestions? I would appreciate any advice. 1998 extended cab 6-Lug. Getting ready to install Dakars.

 

Try getting the truck up a little more to allow the axle more drop

 

You need to get the body higher if your rear axle is still putting pressure on them. Obviously you aren't getting any lower with your axle with that jack to the floor lol.

 

Ask a neighbor if he has a floor jack you could borrow real quick to try to jack one side up a little higher, squeeze the leaf out, then the other side.

 

Also, keep an eye on your brake lines on the driver side of the truck

 

Thanks, I was considering raising the body, glad to have someone else confirm.

 

Also, go slow and be careful. It's already sitting on jack stands, and they can topple when you least expect it. Also as one side comes free, the other side may spring from the tension.

 

I'll disconnect the brake line. Should I be concerned with the drive shaft?

 

I think it should be alright, just keep an eye on the angles.

 

Another thing to think about is to make sure you torque everything to spec once you get all your new toys put in. Nothing ruins your day like a leaf spring falling out on the trail. Double check everything! and look up coatings for your leafs, otherwise you may have a squeaky rear end.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/squeaky-dakars-any-advice-from-others-with-the-dakars.156353/

 

Worked great. Ended up jacking it up about 5 or 6 inches more.