summerprophet

In a moment of genius, I came to a great solution for swapping out rear springs. Mine is a 1999 4runner, with 2" spacer lift, but really it should work for any model year.

Tools required:
Jack
Jack stands, or your backyard version of such
Hammer (rubber or soft preferred)
Pry bar (or scrap piece of metal, heck even a big wrench will work)
Rachet strap

Step 1 (day before)
Spray lower shock bolts and sway bar bolts with WD-40 or penetration oil.

Step 2 (day of)
Place jack under rear diff, jack up vehicle until tires just leave ground. Place jack stands under frame ahead of wheels.
Remove drivers side wheel. (Far easier to begin with drivers side)

Step 3
Remove lower shock bolt, and upper sway link bolt. A few gentle taps with a hammer to the bottom of the shock bolt ring should free it up.

Step 4
Lower the jack under the rear diff, watching the brake line that it does not get too tight. You should be able to lower the working side brake drum a almost to the ground.

Step 5
Pry out the old spring. If you are removing due to sagging, it should pop right out with a bit of prying. If it is still tight, skip ahead to see installation, and reverse the steps.

Step 6
Place upper part of new spring in position. Grab your handy dandy ratchet strap and wrap it around the second lowest of the coils. I did three wraps and then hooked it to a higher coil. Run the ratchet strap up and over and across the frame. Place the coil wrap on the side you want the spring to go toward. Attach to whatever is convenient on the other side. I wrapped it around the bumpstop, and hooked it back on itself.

Step 7
Ratchet up the strap, and a few gentle taps with a rubber hammer, and the spring should pop right into place. The whole process only took 20 minutes a side.

I have no clue why the image is upside down.