Leaf Spring Rehab

[billyocup]

I'm continuing my frame off rebuild on my 75 CJ5 . (see my previous thread: CJ5 - Help Please) I'm down to the bare frame and starting to rehab the pieces I plan to keep and reuse.

The differentials are off and into a local shop for some refurbishing. Bearings, seals, etc. I plan to take the frame in for a bit of straightening, once the weather clears a bit.

I've determined that the existing springs have a 2 1/2" lift and are in pretty good shape. No broken or cracked leafs, so I'm going to pull them apart and clean them up. I've pulled one set apart and cleaned the surface rust off. I plan on replacing all the bushings will new polyurethane. Any recommendations on paint or coatings? I've read a little bit on "Slip Coat", teflon and delrin strips, but was wondering what experience anyone else has had doing this.

Thanks, Bill

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[gert]

I am planning on powder coating mine and using teflon on the ends

 

[billyocup]

I thought about powder coating, but I think it's more $$$ than I want to spend.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Are you re-arching them too, or they seem to be alright not droopy or saggy?

I'd clean em up with sander to metal and just spray paint em, but you might be wanting a better look than that...

Don't think they'll need high temp or anything you know...

 

[billyocup]

Not re-arching. The springs are in good shape, other than just surface rust. I'm in the process of cleaning off the rust and sanding down to smooth metal.
Then I was planning to paint each leaf. Was just wondering if I should put Teflon or Delrin strips between the leafs or some other coating when I reassemble them?

Thanks for the input. Bill

 

[billyocup]

I've been doing some further research on what to do with my springs and came across this at Eaton Springs:Leaf Spring Rust - Tech

They don't recommend any paint between the leaf surfaces, because the metal to metal friction is important to how the springs work. They also caution against powder coating because of the heat in the curing process.

I found another article online in a 4WD mag:http://www.fourwheeler.com/projectbuild/129_0603_bild_2002_ford_ranger_leaf_springs/index.html about refurbishing springs and all they did was spray some Moly lubricant between the leaves before reassembling and then painted the outside of the pack once they were put back together.

So, I think that's the direction I'm going in.

 

[DHugg]

I thought about powder coating, but I think it's more $$$ than I want to spend.

You and me! But I have had a delightful thought while watching City Public Works remark some crosswalks on our street. They use some very tough stuff that is color-fast and holds onto the road surface incredibly well. I wonder if that process could be applied to frames and bodies?

Gonna find out mach schnell, as I will have the rear end out of my CJ7 to remove some spring leaves and soften the ride. Worst that can happen is that I screw it up and have to remove it all.

I will let y'all know how it works.