72 FJ55 rebuild begins.....I'm going to have questions

[mk1spyder]

My first question is the leaf springs. They don't look sagged at all but I want to restore them, is there a guide or suggestions on taking them apart putting new stuff in and putting them back together or should I just sand blast and paint them as is and leave it alone?

 

[Pighead]

Many years ago, I had my rear springs re-arched by a Blacksmith/spring shop. Had them add another leaf too.

 

[RUSH55]

Interesting start to your thread

So, yeah, several ways to possibly “restore” leaf springs. You can remove them, remove the center bolt, clean the individual leaves, paint, and then reassemble. You might source a new set of center-bolts beforehand in case the OEM ones are toast.

 

[mk1spyder]

Where can I get the Teflon pads that are supposed to be between them?

 

[RUSH55]

Might search up eBay or talk to a local spring shop. Have you done any google searches?
The spring refurb would be a good time to ditch the military-wraps for the bolted retainers, which will help a little with flex.

 

[RUSH55]

I can find “tip pads” pretty easily on eBay, but unless your springs are already drilled to accept those, not sure how much of an undertaking it would be to drill holes in spring steel.

 

[RUSH55]

This is what I could come up with in a quick search for teflon anti-friction pads. Looks like a roll of material you can cut to length and place between the leaves. I’m sure there’s some better stuff out there.

Flat Spring Liners

Equal partners in a smooth-riding leaf spring suspension are quality shocks and friction-free movement of the spring leafs. This special compound of poly-vinyl plastic has a very "slippery" surface. This works as a permanent dry lubricant that eliminates interleaf friction and squeaking. Comes...

www.speedwaymotors.com

 

[scrapdaddy]

Morning Spyder,

Before we get too deep into this, what type of rebuild are you planning? Stock or modify as you go, bigger tires for more offroad stuff or just coffee getter. No sense to rebuild stock springs if you're going to upgrade everything else. I bet the stock springs have sagged over the years and maybe even have a couple cracked leaves in the packs.

 

[mk1spyder]

I'm trying to do an all stock restoration. Just leave the pig in its original glory.

 

[mk1spyder]

Ive had a bunch of cruisers mainly 60's and 80's is it normal for the rear axle to have a bolt on diff cover even though it is a drop out 3rd member?

 

[RUSH55]

The diff cover has to be removed to access the c-clips which hold the semi-float axle shafts in place.

 

[J Mack]

The diff cover has to be removed to access the c-clips which hold the semi-float axle shafts in place.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Oh Man, you've got a good start already. Any pictures of the body?

What Rush said, not like the front axle.

 

[J Mack]

My first question

We are going to need more pictures of this pig to properly answer these questions.

 

[bobm]

Knew that was coming ! Look close, frame, front and rear axle, seat on top of shelves!! Those are pictures of

 

[RUSH55]

But wheyuh’s da boddee?

 

[J Mack]

Look close,

You're slipping Bob, I was waiting for you to make the first recommendation on proper foot wear.

 

[bobm]

Days right. We don't don neakers here!!! Crocs,sandals or flip flops! Dems da rules ! Oh and plenty o pictures undastoood

 

[mk1spyder]

This is about the only pic I have pre resto.

 

[mk1spyder]

The body is fixed. It had some rust of course cut it out made fab'd new sheet metal. I have a factory PTO winch that I'm going to add but that's about it otherwise im going totally stock original.