Figured this would be the place to ask. Is there a trick to getting the jaws out of a 3N and putting them back without damaging the trap? I would guess that the frame is spread? On one side the hooks are different than the other, how does that come into play. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

The only really safe way is to cut the base and weld it back when you are done with your work.

Ive never done it but if I recall Ogorman talked about it in one of his videos. Cohunts exactly right, when you weld it back the easiest way is to add a base plate in. I think Ogorman had some bolted together with the base plate too. If your springs are weak you can always add helper springs inside the originals which is less work.

cut base in middle , replace springs, add baseplate and weld.

Cut right through the middle of where it says PROPERTY OF APACHE NATION.