Ironman Spring surface rust (1 Viewer)

[Zack1978]

Hi everyone,
I have a full set of Ironman springs on my FJ-60. The springs have very few miles on them, I would say under 1,000 miles but they have been outside for a few yeras as the truck is not garage kept. The biggest issue that I have with the springs is the poor quality paint used on them.
At this point the springs have a good amount of surface rust on them, and the Ironman shackles have also lost their luster. What can I do about the spring rust? Is it possible to (easily) disassemble and reassemble each spring pack and powder coat each individual leaf? Would the powder coating process weaken the spring pack? If so what kind of black paint would be good? Has anyone ever tackled a project such as this? Any tips or hints?


Thanks,
Zack

 

[MANUCHAO]

my OME did the same thing, but it took well over a year to have surface rust here in SoCal.

I used some phosporic acid to neutralized the rust and rustoleum rattle can treatment did the trick..
I personally would not bother with PC the spring pack, but that's just me....

 

[robustbambi]

My Ironmans have a little surface rust on them where they've been rubbed on rocks and things. And are the shackles just dirty? mine have been on a little over a year and still look shiny and new after a wash cloth bath.

And i agree, I wouldnt spend $$$ PC the springs unless its an on road only truck.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

It's a full weekend's worth of work, but it's very doable to take the spring packs apart and repaint them. I'd choose a nice hard enamel in your fave rattle can brand. Being in the rust-belt ( I think) you are on the right track to wanting to protect the undercarriage. Regrease the bushings as part of normal maintenance.

 

[Landpimp]

my OME springs rusted as well, I am lazy so I just rattle can them(on the rig) with Slip Plate, its a graphite spray paint, comes out a dark gray, been working well for many years now, I spray them every year or so

 

[Spike Strip]

I just rattle-can mine - right over the grease

 

[Zack1978]

my OME springs rusted as well, I am lazy so I just rattle can them(on the rig) with Slip Plate, its a graphite spray paint, comes out a dark gray, been working well for many years now, I spray them every year or so

This paint sound interesting.....I will look to order a can. Is it just rattle can spray paint? Do you clean the springs first?



Zack

 

[Wile E Coyote]

I didn't think a Jersey rust-belt guy could get away with not recoating the entire spring, but you could fog em down as installed and watch them closely. Lift a tire then shove a prybar between leaves and you'll be able to see much of what the entire leaf width looks like. A rig down here in the SW could last a lifetime doing that, I think.

 

[Landpimp]

just brushed off the surface rust(when I did them a few years ago), its a normal rattle can, seems to work well.

it can be a bitch to find, but most heavy equipment places have it, stuff I have now is from John Deere, its Slip Plate in a JD can, was $7 a can, comes in a brush paint as well

This paint sound interesting.....I will look to order a can. Is it just rattle can spray paint? Do you clean the springs first?



Zack

 

[Spike Strip]

I think the generic term for it is lubricating paint. As LP states, you'll find it at tractor places or on line.

http://www.agspecialty.com/EZslide.htm

 

[brownbear]

I like just using a bit old oil on a brush. But graphite spray at any hardware store will spray in blackish colour.

I would not use any acid. Having that between the leafs is bad news.

Also you don't want paint really between the leafs as it will make them thicker. Then the paint will wear off and the tension might come off the u bolts... maybe.

oil em and drive on.