Leaf springs questions, and prep for CalTracks

[Racer-X-]

This is for Elvis, the 1947 DeSoto Custom Sedan with the LS engine and 4L60E transmission.

 

We're putting CalTracks bars on this one, and rebuilding/reconditioning the rear leaf springs.  Several questions. 

 

• My usual approach is to clean the leaves with a wire brush on my big polisher/grinder and paint them.  First couple coats are just brush on Rustoleum paint (usually Black).  After that, I top up the quart bucket of paint with a cup or two of 400 mesh graphite powder and mix (shake) well and mix (shake) often. I do an additional 2 to 4 coats of this. The graphite in the paint makes the surface lubed and slippery. Does this sound like a sound plan for these springs?
• Are there any plastic slip pieces in the pack?  If there are none, or if they're past their useful life and falling apart, is it better to use leaf spring liner, like the SpeedWay Motors stuff for 1-3/4" leaves?   Here's a link to what I have used in the past (in wider sizes, to match wider spring leaves).  https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Leaf-Spring-Liner-with-Lip-1-3-4-Inch,2079.html
• We've been told by Calvert Racing that it would be best to remove the covers from the leaf springs.  I'm not even sure what I'm going to find under those.  But the other question is does anyone here need those covers?  I can't seem to find a "for sale/want to by" forum on here.  I hate to throw away good pieces if someone can use them on a restoration.

 

Any other advice on this project.  I'm also replacing all the rubber bushings in the shackles and the front spring eyes/mounts.

Edited October 17, 2022 by Racer-X-

[Sniper]

No plastic, those covers were there to contain the grease that was supposed to be used, and replaced at regular intervals, in place of a liner.

 

I would use the Speedway Motors liners when you rebuild the springs.  Probably want a few leaf spring clamps to keep things together as well.   BTW, I think the springs are 2" wide, measure though I am getting old and my memory is not what it was, lol.

[Racer-X-]

TIL

15 hours ago, Sniper said:

No plastic, those covers were there to contain the grease that was supposed to be used, and replaced at regular intervals, in place of a liner.

 

Wow.  I did not know that.   So there's a chance I'll find a greasy mess instead of a rusty mess when I pull the covers off?   Or possibly rusty and greasy mess?

[Sniper]

It is more likely you will find a greasy, rusty, mud caked (dirt and grease mix) mess if my springs are any indication, lol.  What you are planning to do is on my list of things to do.  I am interested in the Cal Tracs setup you are going with, wheel hop is intense with just my flat head, I can't imagine what it would be like with a warmed up V8, or any V8.