Discussion on 1/4 leaf for Bugeye

[racingenglishcars]

Spring leaves rub against each other every time the suspension moves. They are also holding the (distributed) corner weight of the car. There is pressure over the surface which rubs against the adjacent surface whenever the car moves.If there is nothing between the leaves they will just rub metal to metal. That's fine for the spring manufacturer. He just sells more springs. But the cost conscious owner, this wear wants to be minimized. Furthermore while not actively rubbing, any residual water causes rust. Once rusted, they further abrade while moving. Or else like my Land Rover or Jeep, they just rust solid.

Toyota uses plastic spacers between leaves. Rolls and Bentley used brass plate. Other manufacturers like Ford and Chevy used nothing. I don't want to get into fabricating brass pieces, but waterproof lubricant seems to me the best and most cost effective solution.

 

[mightymidget]

I have mine in my construction wheel barrel now. I have pour ATF all over them, plus I am brushing the ATF over the springs with a paint brush every time I walk by them in the shop. Will try to take one apart Monday

 

[Gundy]

Spring leaves rub against each other every time the suspension moves. They are also holding the (distributed) corner weight of the car. There is pressure over the surface which rubs against the adjacent surface whenever the car moves.If there is nothing between the leaves they will just rub metal to metal. That's fine for the spring manufacturer. He just sells more springs. But the cost conscious owner, this wear wants to be minimized. Furthermore while not actively rubbing, any residual water causes rust. Once rusted, they further abrade while moving. Or else like my Land Rover or Jeep, they just rust solid.

Toyota uses plastic spacers between leaves. Rolls and Bentley used brass plate. Other manufacturers like Ford and Chevy used nothing. I don't want to get into fabricating brass pieces, but waterproof lubricant seems to me the best and most cost effective solution.

My Land Cruisers have strips between the leafs. Some Cruiser
guys like the slippery Teflon type slinky strips.
Articulation of the suspension needs movement between springs. I didn't even consider the rust issue. Thanks, that's good to know. When you take a suspension apart, it is wise to use all new hardware. Upgrades are nice. For the Cruisers I use greaseable pins and hangers. Special bushings, etc. to "free up" the suspension for maximum performance.

Rovers AND Sprites....I like your style.