Like Mike said, never reuse U bolts. There is a lot of stretch in those long bolts and new ones make it a lot easier to install because you have the extra length that gets cut off. Also, re torque them to 55 ft/lbs after about 500 miles.

-Where do you guys recommend I get the u-bolts?
-Hold the truck up with jackstands under the frame??? Or the axle?

NAPA will have the u-bolts.
The jackstands - at a minimum - should be under the frame, just ahead of the forward leaf mount point. Keep the weight balanced to the front. Then, if you have a floor jack, you can put it under the axle so that you can control it's movement up and down, back and forth as needed. Don't go under the truck at all while you're doing this as you want to make sure that you're staying safe..

And, if possible, remove all of the extra weight that you can from the rear of the truck and, if possible, load up the front of it as you should have the center of the truck's weight as far forward as is possible.

Just take it slowly as you do it so that you can see if the truck is starting to see-saw a bit as you play with the front to rear weight. I'm not tryin to scare you, but I've done my truck three times and Romeo's once and it's a little nerve-wracking to see the truck pivot a bit. Now, the difference with you will be that you're likely only doing one side. So, you can have three wheels on the ground and only have one in the air - which could make it a whole lot easier overall. But, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Ummmmm, in the words of Barbarino..."I'm so confused!" It seemed so simple until you came along! haha
I figured I could just stick a floor jack under the diff, put stands on the frame? Sorry, I'm only blonde....how tall are your jackstands????

i used 5 jackstands when installing my AALs

2 under the frame, 2 under the axle, and one under the third member at the driveshaft u joint.

the axle will want to rotate after you unbolt it. then you can fine adjust with a jack or a strong friend

Sounds like this isn't possible solo.

Well it could be a solo job but might be better with a pal..

it is very possible solo I have done mine twice in the street by myself. first time is just intimidating.

Just make sure you put chock blocks on both sides of the front tires . 2 jack stands on the frame just ahead of the spring hangers. then 2 jackstands to support the axle. Its really that simple. do one side at a time so you dont have to deal with anything rotating.

I agree with the others.
I've done it twice by myself, but it is easier with someone else around.

some glue and tape should fix the old leafs or you could order a new pack from alcan like I did.

Got the entire spring pack from a junkyard for $65, I'm just going to have the mechanic throw it in on Thursday....you guys scared me out of it.
Gene, I was going to apologize and thank you for the texts the last 2 days then I remembered the late night drunk phone call from ECXC two years ago. I suddenly didn't feel bad for bugging you. :-p

Just do one side at a time. It's a lot easier and you don't have to worry about axle rotation.

Dude dont pay to have it done... I can come up Saturday and install it as long as you have a spot to do it. I have all the tools needed.

It's going to rain all day and I have AAA on the way to tow it to the shop. Thanks for the offer though, I appreciate it! I'll save your help for when I upgrade.

HMMM I'm thinking IF you upgrade????

Best of luck with the repairs BigE, hope it a nice cheap fix for you till "upgrading".