Paint or? leaf springs

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climber8483

climber8483

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I'm putting flipped fj60 leaf springs under the truck for my SOA. Since I had to pull them apart to re-drill the military wrap leaf I cleaned them up and ran the flap wheel over them to get rid of the rust and smooth some of the minor pitting.

It's now time to put them back together, so should I paint them? I don't see that lasting very long where they rub due to friction.

Do I just grease/oil the leaves, put them together and then paint everything that's exposed?

Do I need to use special paint or can I use "industrial" rattle can like I have for almost everything else?


Thanks,
Brittain
 
Hi All,

I'd vote for painting the individual leafs. Then, during re-assembly lay a bead of EP rated grease down the middle of each leaf before bolting the pack together.

The grease will help reduce friction between the individual leafs, and protect the paint.

Regards,

Alan
 
Thanks,
I ended up Googling it and found this very informative site. They answer everything about leafs.

http://eatonsprings.com/techquestions/mainpage.htm

To sum up what they say...

1. Do NOT use grease on the bare metal, apparently it damages the steel used.
2. They don't suggest and paint/powder coating/ chroming/any other coating between the leafs themselves.
3. Pain the exterior all you want.
4. Use Delrin pads to prevent friction.
5. Rust between leaves is fine.

Brittain
 
In the past I've blasted the spring leaves clean and coated each leaf where they meet each other with a product called Slip Plate sold at farm/auto stores . Put the pack together and paint the pack a decent semi-gloss black and call it good . That coating contains graphite and does make a difference in friction in the pack .
Sarge
 
We use EZ Slide paint. It is a a graphite based paint. We knock the rust off, then sand the leafs so they are smooth and then paint them. We never use grease. We use the delrin liners from deaver between the main and second leaf, then delrin tip inserts on all the leaves. It makes a huge difference in ride quality and flex. Low friction, proper shackle angle, and the best shock you can afford will make all the difference in the world.
 
Last edited:
Yes on the graphite-type paints.
 
Weber Sarge said:
EZ Slide is the same stuff I believe as Slip Plate , great stuff and have used it on a lot of projects . The difference it makes on leaf spring packs is amazing - you won't believe it . Good tip on the Delrin from Deaver , that helps a lot too .
Sarge
Click to expand...

reddingcruiser said:
Yes on the graphite-type paints.
Click to expand...

I havent tried the slip plate. Maybe I will pick up a can. Thanks

I heard that 1968-69 Camaros came with 4 or 5 leaf packs 2.5'' springs. They sell the liners with the lip for the camaros all over . I heard that there is actually 2.75'' of clearance so they may work for most of us. The liner with a lip would be nice. I ordered a setup for a 5 leaf pack from jegs so I will let you guys know what I find out.
 
Interested also, Though it won't work for my XJ leafs in the back, but any help up front is good.

B
 
I recently pulled my spring packs apart and cleaned them up. I did not paint between each leaf, and instead used some of this:

http://www.sprayon.com/products/dry_film_graphite_lubricant

It goes on wet and dries pretty much immediately. I picked up a few cans at my local napa store for about 8 dollars each. The can also says that it helps to prevent rust, so it should do a decent job of sealing the surface while still allowing for some movement between the leaves. So far, the ride is much smoother and has more flex, so I'm happy with the very cheap fix.
 
Yep I pulled mine apart because they were squeeking and creaking so bad it would drive you crazy wheeling it! Never had a problem with them until I soaked them down with that spray lithium grease. It attracted dust and dirt and the sound is terrible. We pulled them apart and I sanded and repainted them and like a dummy put a light coat of grease on them. Worked great until they got dirty. Back to the same ole sounds! Gotta do it again before the next trip. Gonna try some of the slip plate this time.
 
Ok, I received the Camaro liners today. They are perfect for leafs that are 2.5'' wide. The lip wraps tight to the sides of the leaf. They have the same rounded edge as the 2.5'' springs. I will get picks next week when I get back.
 
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