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| | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 61 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 61 | My Shop Manual says:
"Springs are designed to operate without lubrication between the leaves. Lubrication other than provides at the time of assembly will cause too lively spring action resulting in short spring life."
What is the best way to maintain the springs? I am planing to disassemly and clean them. Should I paint oder grease them?
'59 Apache
'67 Mustang
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 502 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 502 | Thats an interesting thought, which I've often wondered about. The 52, 2ton I bought had well greased leaf springs, both front and rear from leaking fluids all over the truck,so much so that when I removed the grease the leaf springs look like new.
Now I can't say how the spring action was over the years but I can say the springs are in great shape. This was a farm truck which did not see use every day.
After cleaning up the springs I painted them but only on the outside because I did not tear down the springs.
If it was me,I would have put a light coat of paint on the leafs before assembly to control rust, and that won't last that long due to rubbing together.
Experts are often wrong, so if I'm wrong in doing this then I'm no worse than they are, plus it's my truck and if I chose to control a little rust and make the springs look better its my choice.
Maybe this does not solve your question, but how wrong can you be with what ever your choice is on what you do with your springs
I am assuming this is for a play truck not a daily driver so what can it hurt. I would do whatever makes you happy.
Dan
Remember your freedom - US Veterans provided it.
101st Screaming Eagles
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,236 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,236 | I tried both ways on my 1/2 ton. With grease and paint, it rode pretty well till the grease was pushed out and the paint wore off, then it was back to a rougher ride. I went with the Poly-liner between each leaf which helped a bunch and is hold in there. A spring shop can punch holes in each leaf for Teflon plugs or pads. Some of the older cars had burlap wrapped around the leafs with a sheet metal cover so you could fill the cover with grease. The burlap let it soak in to the springs. As long as you smooth out any rough patch and knock down any step worn in to them, a light coating of paint and grease will work for a while. I was working on the front spring in my truck which has a 250ci. engine which is a 100lbs or so lighter then then the 216, so my truck was pretty sensitive to springs. Joe | | |
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