Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Has anybody experimented with using anti friction coatings on leaf springs? I've heard that there are graphite coatings around that will do this but I've also heard of others just greasing them. Do either of these actions result in any difference?

I have played with the idea of using Teflon paint. Basically anything that will reduce friction between the pads is a good thing. Whether or not the result is worth pulling them all a part coating them and reassembling them is another thing. Grease is good but if you are running in mud or dirty conditions the mud etc can collect in the grease over time nullifying the point in the fist place

They result in less friction (more movement of the spring, I have tried this and it worked) but i flog springs out so often, and I'm getting lazy and have not done it lately, but it makes a difference, in noise too! Well worth it on a DD!

bj on roids wrote:They result in less friction (more movement of the spring, I have tried this and it worked) but i flog springs out so often, and I'm getting lazy and have not done it lately, but it makes a difference, in noise too! Well worth it on a DD!

What product is this that you speak of?

Grease, Graphite paint, plastic inserts!

Ive done it, hard to say if it makes any difference, but ya gotta think it would. Forget taking the spring pack out, just flex ya suspension enough so (take the pack bolts out if ya have to) you can clean the crap out of the opened up springs with a Gernie or something else then hit it with the lube.

Cheers
David

Surely if grease is the substance used, then within 10min of driving on a dirt road, the springs will be that gunked up with shiat that you'll be worse then when you started? That's why I was interested in the coatings available - preferably non greasy or sticky?

I use spray grease (in a spray can - sprays like thin oil, sets like grease). Use same method as David to apply (have 2 small travel ramps to flex springs).

When applied it lests a few trips. It does collect some dust but that doesn't stop it working. It doesn't increase overall travel, but reduces friction making the leaves flex faster (makes them a bit more like coils), which helps the wheels keep contact with the ground.

Ben.

TAC-2. wedge the leaves apart with a screwdriver and spray it in there.
Failing that, the ag supply places can get the graphite paint that is used to lubricate parts of machinery that comes into contact with grains & seeds.

[quote="Wendle"]TAC-2. wedge the leaves apart with a screwdriver and spray it in there.
Failing that, the ag supply places can get the graphite paint that is used to lubricate parts of machinery that comes into contact with grains & seeds.[/quote]

Bingo! That was what I was looking for!

Thanks Wendle and others. When I get around to it I'll post up my reactions in case anybody is interested.

Wendle wrote:TAC-2. wedge the leaves apart with a screwdriver and spray it in there.
Failing that, the ag supply places can get the graphite paint that is used to lubricate parts of machinery that comes into contact with grains & seeds.

Where would you get this stuff from?

TAC-2 you can get from Bunnings Wh0rehouse.
The graphite paint I bought years ago from M&A(?) Produce & Stockfeed!