Do you need to "oil" leaf springs before install?

[Big6ft6]

I installed new leaf springs on the back of 98 ranger. They creaked horribly after they were installed.

When I put my hand on the rear leaf clamps I could feel them vibrating with the creaking noise when I pushed down on the bumper...so I grabbed some liquid wrench and blasted it in there and they are silent now.

But how long is that gona last? Was I suppsed to put grease in there or anything when I installed them? Is this normal?

My springs sounded like a bed at a cheap hotel when people are doin' the hanky panky...(in the next room of course).

 

[Sprag-O]

Higher end leafs normally have a nylon spacer to prevent creaks etc....

Although I've never read that you "Need" too, lubing a leaf pack is a good solution for noisy leafs... Then tend to "break in" on their own in a few days or a few suspension cycles.

 

[Big6ft6]

Cool, thanks sprag. I kept the nylon sheet between the spring and the axle, but there doesn't appear to be anything back where the middle leaf is clamps to the main leaf. I look forward to when they're fully broken in!

 

[canyoncritter]

Only if you like grit to collect to your springs and wear on the leafs........

 

[Sprag-O]

Here's a shot of the 1/2 ton leafs I got, with the little white nylon spacers... They don't creak or anything

 

[4x4junkie]

Some powdered graphite between the leaf pads is about the only thing I'd suggest using. Anything else will just attract dirt.


FWIW, my Skyjacker leaves were pretty noisy (creaky) for the 1st couple thousand miles or so, but then quieted down completely after they broke in some.

 

[IRKillroy]

I'm with 4X4... I changed the bushings on my leafs and after the first 500 miles they quited down.. the grease only keeps them from doing that during that time.

you could always load your truck down and hope that helps!! haha...