Time to change out rearends.

If you are keeping your original springs and don't want to lift the rear end. Remove the two bolts on each of the rear shackle brackets that bolt to the body (9/16 socket). This will allow you to drop the rear of the springs to the ground easily once the old U bolts are cut. Then with tires installed on the new axle you can roll it under the car and then lift the springs up to it. Much easier than wrestling the axle across the springs if you don't have help. Also in regards to the emergency brake cables. You will probably want to use the old ones from the 7.25 and the easiest way to remove them from the backing plate is to slide the box end of a 9/16 wrench over the retainer and wobble it around while pulling on the cable sleeve on the other side of the backing plate. This is the easier way to press all three prongs on those clips.