[fleetsidelarry]

if you jack the frame up enough to unload the spring without actually stretching (putting tension on) it, you may be able to get a ratchet with extension in there. if thats not enough, go ahead and jack it some more to get the ratchet in to loosen the nut, just don't take it all the way off with it still under tension. Or, if you are replacing the springs and don't need them: get the bottom loose (good luck), jack the axel up 'til the spring is free of the trailing arm and cut the spring off. with it out of the way you can easily get to the top bolt.

as for the front, I don't believe you need to free both spindle ends, just the top one. you may not even need a pickle fork, just some freeing agent (like Blaster) and a hammer.

as for shocks, it depends on the amount of drop but drop shocks are available lots of places, plus you may want to relocate your rear mounts