From the attached diagram from service manual, it would seem that it is acceptable to put a floor jack on the rear axle tubes just inward of the leaf springs u-bolts. But just below you see the text from same service manual that says not to lift an axle tube with floor jack. What are others doing when trying to raise rear ?

Sven

CAUTION: Do not lift vehicle with a floor jack posi-
tioned under:
• An axle tube.
• A body side sill.
• A steering linkage component.
• A drive shaft.
• The engine or transmission oil pan.
• The fuel tank.
• A front suspension arm.

 

If I'm lifting both tires I lift from the diff and put jack stands just inside the leaf springs. If only lifting one tire I use the lower shock mount and then put jack stand.

 

Me too ^.
I've lifted pretty much every pickup out there off the axle tube too. You won't bend it with an empty truck. If it was really loaded down, may want to re think though.

The rest of the "do not lift" cautions seem to be common sense, but the axle tube supports the vehicle day in day out via the springs, so probably just a CYA thing from someone who effed up a truck once upon a time being blatantly ignorant about what they were doing.
Kinda like construction. We have so many CYA safety rules to elimiate the "dumb ****" factor that eventually arises in someone, somewhere at some time, its ridiculous.