What's the consensus gents...are the teflon buttons better or is the c-channel teflon liner the way to go for leaf springs? I'm told that the springs can be drilled for the buttons if you keep the speed down (never tried it so I don't know) and they look like a trick way to go. However most folks talk about the liner type material on their installs. A lot of new vehcles use the button type sliders so I was just curious about which is better/cheaper/harder to work with etc. what's your opinion?

Thanks!

Leaks

 

I'm interested as well, does anyone have experience with this?

 

I used the liners because spring steel is a mother to drill. I didn't see any reason to fight it, but some people like a challenge I guess.

Mike
'54 F-100

 

I used the liners and would not consider the drilling. It just seems like you are asking for trouble. Also, just a hint: The edges on the ends of the springs should be smoothed slightly to make sure they slide easily. Unfortunately, this bit of info was not passed on last year when I did mine. Wouldn't you know that the week after I finished the springs a person came forward and posted that info. I won't tell you who it was, but his initials are Vern. Just kidding. Also the buttons would wear out much quicker than the liners. Good luck, John

 

I used the buttons because thats what modern vehicle manufacturers use and I figured that less contact area would give less friction

Drilling the springs was difficult
I used a drill press starting with a small drill then working up in sizes
I had to sharpen the drills regularly, if I did it again I would invest in carbide drills

Stephen

 

Thanks for the feedback gents - Steve...do you think that the carbide bits would make it much easier? Or should I just invest in a sharpener if I elect to go with the sliders?

Leaks

 

John,

Sorry bud...you should have ASKED sooner!

Leaks,

I go with the liner since it is much easier to work with. Drilling that spring steel is a pain...

Vern

 

I looked into this a while back and decided that the buttons were the way to go. I have a friend that will punch the holes in my springs. I did not want to see the sides of the other type. I was also told that very slow speed and good lubricant would work drilling the holes. Let us know which way you go.

 

I'm leaning towards the sliders - I like the look better and it seems like you'd put the slippery stuff on the end where the most wear is likely to occur. I'm taking my main leaves into a local spring shop to get a price for reversed eyes and maybe I'll ask them while I'm there - maybe they have a "super punch" or some other toy that would make this an easy process. I've also heard that the process is easier if you keep the speed way down - I may try it just for grins. My front springs have a couple of home made leaves (look like main leaves with the eyes torched off) added to each spring so I've got some spring steel that I can afford to play with. It also has a "helper" spring in the rear with another 6 or 7 leaves - kind of makes sense as I know that at one time this was a grove truck and was probably loaded to the hilt with oranges and they get very heavy.

What does everyone reccommend regards paint for springs? I've heard of using Zero Rust and POR and just plain old basic Rustoleum. I've also heard of powder coating and I know a guy that says it won't hurt the spring but I also know the process requires 400 degrees and I'm a little worried about what happens to spring steel at that temerature so I think it'll be blast and paint for me. Anyway it will be sometime in July before I get to the springs and I'll post a note with what I do/find out. Thanks to all for the feedback!

Leaks

 

A punch would definitely be the best way to go if available

If you are drilling keep the speed down and use a lubricant
Carbide drills will last a lot longer than HSS drills but need a special grinding wheel to sharpen them

I sharpen drills by hand on a grinding wheel but if you do not know how to do this a drill grinding machine may be a good idea

I painted my springs with a epoxy chassis paint, it's quite tough and flexible, I think powder coating would be too hard and wouldn't last but I may be wrong

Stephen

 

Liners work well if they don't squirm out. I wanted to use the buttons but gave up trying to drill the holes.