Leaf springs

[navysnipe]

I am slowly getting my 70 C20 and 72 K2500 tore down to a point that I can make one good truck. My Dads 70 C20 body is going on my Uncle's 72 K2500 frame and running gear. I am to the point were the frame is almost bare and I just cut the rear leaf springs out and am replacing the spring eye and shackle bushings. That job is a B@&CH, those bushings just laughed at my 12 ton hydraulic press. I finally had to press the centers out and take a sawzall to the outer shell.

The question is when I go to reassemble the rear and the front for that matter do I tighten the bushing bolts while the springs are dangling or do I put weight on them then tighten them. I would imagine that tightening them while they are in the air will sort of preload the rubber and put a twist in them and that doesn't sound right. Also I plan on using POR-15 on the springs anyone have any problems with cracking of the paint after?

Thanks

Navysnipe