Should new leaf springs be treated or painted?

[DiscoCO]

I finally got around to ordering a new axle for my M101 CDN. Now that I have received that I'm ready to replace the springs and install the axle. The springs I have are NOS and appear to be raw metal with nothing more than some sort of light grease on them.

My question is can I install them this way? Do they need to be primed? Painted? What is the best procedure to keep them looking as new as possible and performing as long-term as possible? I have seen some references to disassembling the springs and painting each leaf, but I'd rather not have to do that if I don't have to.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[hollaback55]

i'm actually getting ready to order a new axle for my M101cdn as well. what bolt pattern did you go with? did you stay with the stock setup or convert to match the tow vehicle

I finally got around to ordering a new axle for my M101 CDN. Now that I have received that I'm ready to replace the springs and install the axle. The springs I have are NOS and appear to be raw metal with nothing more than some sort of light grease on them.

My question is can I install them this way? Do they need to be primed? Painted? What is the best procedure to keep them looking as new as possible and performing as long-term as possible? I have seen some references to disassembling the springs and painting each leaf, but I'd rather not have to do that if I don't have to.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[cowboy4x4]

Are they put together raw? if so I would (and this is just me) take them apart prime and paint everything, the paint will rub down regardless. Its not hard or dangerous to take the springs apart. Just put a "C" clamp on the spring take out the center pin and unscrew the clamp (nothing is going to fly anywhere) some springs ie; my FORD van springs have a PV material between the ends to limit squeaking, I know this as one of mine fell out and now the spring squeaks. I just keep repainting mine every once in awhile to keep them looking good.

[Verkstad]

My question is can I install them this way? Do they need to be primed? Painted? What is the best procedure to keep them looking as new as possible and performing as long-term as possible? I have seen some references to disassembling the springs and painting each leaf, but I'd rather not have to do that if I don't have to.

If you are not wanting to dismantle the springs,
Best cost-wise and hassle-wise is just scrub off the greasy surface then primer&paint it.
At best thats how 99% of all factory leafsprings on other vehicles are sent out, Considering they can last decades in reasonably non-corrosive environments. Something to be said for that...

For optimal spring performance & longevity would be dismantle the springs chamfer & polish all the cut ends, paint, lubricate or perhaps fit polymer spacers between leaves and so on...
Like any other project, one has to decide when to say good enough.