Leaf spring R&R (1 Viewer)

[Spook50]

I couldn't find any spray on graphite lube for when I rebuild my leaf springs, but I found what looks to be some good teflon based stuff at Lowe's. Anyway, I'm wondering what a good way to go about protecting my leaf springs would be. It was suggested that I wirewheel the rust off of each leaf, but I've got access to a big enough blasting cabinet, so would blasting 'em be a better way to go? And for rust protection, I'm wondering if a coat (or two) of por-15 would be wise before spraying on the teflon. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Exiled]

If you can blast them, do it, that's going to be better than wire-wheeling them. Take them apart, blast each leaf, then use a metal finishing wheel on a grinder to hit any rough spots. Then go to Grainger's, buy a gallon of Slip Plate (teflon-based paint used for agro applications), paint each leaf generously. Once they dry (leave 'em a couple of days), put some teflon grease (lightly) in between the leaves and reassemble. The difference in ride/flex will be REALLY noticeable, it's worth the weekend of work.

I've done this once on my buddy's truck and will be doing this on mine before the LSLC Roundup.

 

[Waggoner5]

You are not actually going to drive your own truck at Roundup are you?

 

[Spook50]

You are not actually going to drive your own truck at Roundup are you?

Wha? I wasn't even planning on going, to be honest

 

[Spook50]

If you can blast them, do it, that's going to be better than wire-wheeling them. Take them apart, blast each leaf, then use a metal finishing wheel on a grinder to hit any rough spots. Then go to Grainger's, buy a gallon of Slip Plate (teflon-based paint used for agro applications), paint each leaf generously. Once they dry (leave 'em a couple of days), put some teflon grease (lightly) in between the leaves and reassemble. The difference in ride/flex will be REALLY noticeable, it's worth the weekend of work.

I've done this once on my buddy's truck and will be doing this on mine before the LSLC Roundup.

I'm not sure if there is a Grainger's here, but if there is, I'll look around tomorrow. That's the stuff I've been looking for actually. Does it really need a couple days to dry? I only have three full days to get the job done before I need my truck to be driveable again. The best I can do is letting it dry overnight

 

[KLF]

Dan:

When I did the SAS on my mini 2 yeara ago, I very carefully disassembled the OME spring packs, kept them in proper order, and wore out 4 knotted wire wheels with my hand grinder getting all the rust off them. Then I painted each leaf with a paint that I found locally that was very similar to POR-15, 2 coats. I let them dry for a few days, then I put a coat of Slip-Plate on them. That stuff is really weird, it's like painting with mud, it's got so much graphite in it. Anyway, ya it takes a while for the stuff to cure. Then I put the leaf packs back together, smearing silicone grease between them as I went.

Honestly, I'm not sure it was worth all the trouble. I keep them slathered in gear lube and grease now, but I'm sure they'd be all rusty again if I didn't.

Oh yeah, you can get Slip Plate at any tractor or farm supply store, that's where I got mine. They also sell it in a spray.

My suggestion: put the truck up on TALL jack stands (under the frame, not the axles), remove the wheels, let the axles droop. Take a big-ass prybar and a mallet, pry apart the leaves, squirt grease and something like KanoLabs Penephite between the leaves. It really helps, and is a lot less work.

 

[Ryan S.]

There is a Grainger on Broadway off of Fancher, that is if you are currently at FAB and not at some other base for now.

 

[Spook50]

There is a Grainger on Broadway off of Fancher, that is if you are currently at FAB and not at some other base for now.

Cool, I'll head out there this afternoon and see if they've ot the spray that Ken mentioned. I'm thinking just blasting them and using the finishing tool that Exiled mentioned, then spraying a couple coats of slip-plate on should be sufficient as long as I keep up on maintaining them. While that stuff's curing it'll give me a chance to R&R my antenna and work on my charging system some more (preparing for the dual battery install).

 

[Exiled]

You are not actually going to drive your own truck at Roundup are you?

I might!

 

[Hangtowncruzr]

Has anybody had any experience with these zero lift springs from TPI? I have a springover 60 that already sits a little high. My stock springs took a beating on my last trip to Baja.

http://www.tpi4x4.com/05-lcSprings.html

The price $109 seems very reasonable, I think they are mfr'd by Belton

 

[NocalFJ60]

I sandblasted my OME springs that were starting to get some surface rust. Then used some zero rust paint (2 coats). You can get it in spray cans or cans to brush on.

Then I went to a plastic shop and bought some UHMW plastic and cut it into strips and put it in between them all with a spread of moly grease.

It made a difference in ride and the springs will last a long time with all the paint on them. The springs start to rust in between and then as they flex they slowly grind on each other which makes things worse.

The teflon or graphite lube seems like it would just slowly degrade or rinse off . I almost went with the slip plate paint but it was too much of a hassle to get and expensive. I don't think I was able to buy a small quanity either.

 

[lovetoski]

Then I went to a plastic shop and bought some UHMW plastic and cut it into strips and put it in between them all with a spread of moly grease..

What thickness UHMW did you use? Does it stay aligned with the leaves?

 

[NocalFJ60]

What thickness UHMW did you use? Does it stay aligned with the leaves?

Think it is 1/16" or smaller.I got like a 5x8 sheet for like $20.It is really slippery and durable.I drilled holes in the center so the center bolt goes through each piece. I left out the piece on the back springs on the leaf that sticks out straight almost. I used some strong 3M spray adhesive to on the strips. The have not moved. They really can move side to side much since the spring pack has the u shaped guards.

I have not got to drive it on any long roadtrips after doing this. Would like to compare the ride to someone that has OME springs without it.