well guys I did it. I am now running a zq8 pack instead of a stock 4 leaf pack.
it was very easy. I had one of my friends help me...it went like this
we put the truck on stands, unbolted the U-bolts, lowered the rear end, grabed the head of the anchor bolt (middle of leafs) then grabbed the bottom end, took it out no problems, unbolted shocks, then torched the clamps holding the leafs on the ends. Took out that leaf (above overload) put it all back together, and was on my way. It took about 2 hours total.
It dropped the rear end down a littl less than an inch, but it will settle. I'll measure it again next week.
thanx guys for all your help...especially tony!