Another big problem with old leaf springs is that over the years the tips of each leaf have worn a step into the bottom of the leaf above it. Then the leaves can't slide past that step. I take each leaf and "ski-nose" and radius the ends and grind any steps smooth. Then I grind or wirebrush them smooth and paint with Rust-Oleum. Reassemble with polypropelene or teflon strips and grease. On my '40 1/2-ton I also removed 2 leaves on each corner of the truck. Very smooth ride with tube shocks and radial tires. Truck does squat more with a load or a trailer on. After 12 years of driving, a few of the polypropelene strips have started to work their way out. Maybe I should have wrapped the whole spring with electrical tape to keep dirt out and the strips in? Next time I might try the H-strips or teflon or nylon buttons. The ultimate in low friction leaf springs might be the mono-leafs. Some of the roundy-round cars around here use mono-leaf rear springs with sliders instead of rear shackles for a good working spring.
