how to paint a leaf spring??

[37pickupproject]

I just picked up a new leaf spring for the rear of my pickup. I got a 2 1/2 in drop spring from posies.

My question is how would you recommend painting it? Take the spring apart and paint each leaf seperately? What paint would you recommend? I don't have access to a real spray gun so it's either brush on or spray bomb for me.

Or should I skip the paint and just use a none hardening undercoating and spray the leaf spring assembled?

Thank you for your advice !

[Steve Staysko]

From your John Deere dealer buy a quart of "Slip Plate" which is a graphite based paint works great on leaf springs and you can paint it on with a paint brush.

[Ianrhall]

Glad I read this, I was going to use regular smooth black enamel paint, presumably that won't allow the leaves to move properly
Ian

[woodiewagon46]

I use Never-Sieze, the silver colored material used on nuts and bolts, between each leaf. It allows the spring leaves to slide against each other with no friction. It really improves the ride.

[Ianrhall]

What about copper grease, I have that?
Ian

[FlatheadTed]

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The Model T had no shocks and the springs worked as a damper by the friction. between them .If you have your springs to slippery then you will need real good shocks ,I would put a light coat of paint on them then assemble and paint the out side well ! Greasing will be a option ,springs need fine tuning according to the load you plain to carry ,if it is a coup then some leaves would need removing ect

[CarlG]

You can also get Slip Plate at NAPA in spray cans. NAPA part # is 330403

I painted this on all the mating surfaces, then after the spring was all assembled, painted the entire outside with Rustoleum Professional semi-gloss black. One can of the Slip Plate will do several springs.

[gmc1941]

#1 you don't paint the whole spring withe Slip Plate, only between the leafs. The ends should be ground down so the leafs don't cut into the next leaf. The slip plate only needs to be bushed on the leafs that are touching each other. Slip can be messy if you over coat it. So paint the springs with an engine paint, which will not be dissolved by the slip plate. Only coat the the center a good percentage will be oozing out. Wear gloves. If you were near by I have 3/4 of a gallon....... Also may sure you mix it, the graphite is like lead. Happy motoring....

[42merc]

If you bought a Posie spring, it comes with plastic slider buttons.
No need for messy lubricants. Take the spring apart & paint with Rustoleum black engine paint, dries harder & quicker than regular Rustoleum enamel.
I'm talking about spray bombs.

[37pickupproject]

42 merc, I think I will take your advice. I thought since it has the plastic buttons friction wasn't an issue. I will take it apart and paint every leaf and reassemble.

I just painted the frame and rear end with POR 15 last weekend and ran out by the time my spring came in the mail. Rustoleum seems quick and painless after doing all that work to POR the frame. Thanks.

[prpmmp]

When I bought my springs from Posies (pick them up at there shop) I asked the same question. Was told if I take them apart to index one side of the spring(on the edge) to assemble them same way they came apart. Don't know why but thats what they said!! Pete

[tamnalan]

Leaf spring lubrication and painting generates a bunch of discussion! It's almost as controversial as politics. What are one's goals about ride quality, reliability, and load tolerance?

My suggestion is to not overthink it.

[Fe26]

My suggestion is to not over-think it.X2

[39topless]

Originally Posted by tamnalan

Leaf spring lubrication and painting generates a bunch of discussion! It's almost as controversial as politics. What are one's goals about ride quality, reliability, and load tolerance?

My suggestion is to not overthink it.

Exactly!!! Powder coat and never think about them again. The lubricating center bolt will do the job as God (Henry) intended.

[Kube]

I powder finish each leaf and then assemble. I apply a thin coat of fifth wheel grease to each leaf where they will come in to contact with another.

[quickchange34]

The guy has a POISES spring he does not need any lube at all to catch all the dust and dirt from the road. That spring has Teflon cups installed in the leaves. Paint the spring leaves and reinstall the cupes and the leaves.