Yes it would be very interesting to see the comparison. I'm sure you might be able to do such a thing with a modified hydraulic press or something of the sort.
If the U bolts don't affect it at all, then why are we discussing this?
i dont think it does. But if you or anyone else does im open to hearing it, i have no problem saying im wrong, i just havn't seen anything to make me think otherwise.
That said the tube's crushing could be an issue. As far as movement i dont think there is anything on the inner area of the leaf (inner meaning maybe a couple inches either way past the u bolts) for two reasons, one the center pin and two the u bolt's even at 45ft lbs.