When I rebuilt my springs the first time, I used a grinder to clean up each leaf. My truck came from the Kansas's Flint hills area and was run really hard. The lower leafs dug into the ones above creating steps. These steps kept them from moving. I rounded over the edges so everything had a place to move. Before assembling, I greased each leaf with a heavy teflon, sticky grease that wouldn't run or drip no matter how hot it got. About a year later I decided to remove a couple of leafs from each pack so a I tore them apart. I was surprised to find rust back at each contact point in the pack. The grease was pushed out over time and they were back to being dry.
I then installed teflon liner under each leaf from front to back, it was a night and day difference in ride. All the banging and noise was gone, the harsh bumps were smoother out, and long trips no longer wear me down.
When I replaced the front springs, I tore them apart and added the liners before installing them. The stuff I bought is black with small sides to keep it in place. It's been there ten or more years now. A spring shop can punch holes in the ends so you can add the teflon buttons if you don't want the liners. I tried to drill mine but didn't have a bit strong enough to touch them.
Joe
