I have flipped the overload, that helped ALOT. It still seems that the 4 leaf spring is a bit stiff for the empty bed. Not as compliant as the front. Is anyone getting an improved ride by reducing interleaf friction, grease or otherwise?

A standard practise back in the old days of salted roads was to spray the springs with a mixture of old brake fluid and old engine oil. Not enviromentally friendly, a little messy, but it worked. thanx geo.

What did it do for you?

the amount of rust that comes out of the springs I would think it would help ride and noise IMHO. but I have not tryed it (yet)

Smoother squeak free ride. Do it on my tandem axle RV trailer too (dusty forest roads). The mix seems to penetrate, clean, lubricate, and stay after acouple of applications. Sort of forgot about it, haven't done this Chevy, think I'll lube it today.Thanx geo.

are you using something that is friendly to the plastic pads? A lot of lubes deteriorate plastic.

The brake fluid motoroil blend has not affected my previous trucks leaf pads, but they were Dodges, Toyotas, and way older GM's. No experience on modern GM's. Tell ya in 6mons. thanx geo.

Just remember to keep anything with brake fluid away from painted surfaces.

Your leaf springs should have some type of "friction" spacer between the leafs already.

Applying grease or oil is not recommennded. Grease & oil attract & hold dirt & other abrasives, not a good thing to have between moving surfaces you like to see endure relatively wear free.

Your Grandfather may have thought it was o/k, but then again, they thought cigarettes, lead in gas, & breathing coal dust were o/k too.

If you must lubricate, try using some type of teflon lube (ie-chain lube) as they tend to not attract/hold dust & dirt.

That is what I was looking for. I take it you are not a believer in the existence of excessive interleaf friction, Loki?

That is what I was looking for. I take it you are not a believer in the existence of excessive interleaf friction, Loki?
Huh?

I was just asking if you thought interleaf friction is a non-issue on these springs.

Interleaf friction shouldn't be an issue on any leaf spring designed/built in the last 10 years (not that it's not possible).

Masterp2 Try This Stuff.. Its Made By "walter" Its Called "chain Gang" Its A Wet Graphite Spray (dries Almost Instant) Does Not Collect Dust And Resists Water Pretty Good. I Use It At Work On Equipment With Exposed Roller Chain....by Far The Best Stuff I Have Seen Or Tried
I Will Try To Find Web Site For You.

Heck, i am not saying i have a problem, just querying the masses to see if there is an improvement potential. May not be the case. So far no one has had a resounding "yes".

At any Cat dealer you can find a good aerosol graphite spray.

Bar & Chain oil :eek: mixed with just a pinch of diesel fuel & let her have it front to back complete underside. Do it in the fall when she's nice and dry then run a dirt road for a while.

This grandfather has tried the modern spray on lubes on heavy equipment in the dirt industry and it is a waste of money. Will try the old formula (learned as an apprentice many moons ago) this summer. If it works the field service guys will give me a Christmas bonus this year. thanx geo.

A good example to show the effects of friction in leaf springs is an older Toyota Landcruiser. I think they had 13 or 17 leafs or something. Take one for a ride then lube the springs (all 4 corners) and take it for a ride. Now you will know how much friction is in between the leafs. On the same note, a Ford F150 with only 1 leaf rides well all the time (but don't load it too much). The idea of lubing leaf springs was explained to me during my apprentice years by a master mechanic from England (land of salty humid air, rust). Long time ago they had yearly safety inspections, and the suspension system lubing was required part of the inspection (properly working suspension meant a safer vehicle and longer lasting). I don't think the manufacturers put the pads in to stop the squeaks (lot of older vehicles out there don't squeak without pads), I think they are there to provide the smoothest ride off the lot. Those pads dry will imbed with sand and grit far sooner that the tight area between the springs that the lube will penetrate (yes they do move against each other). Whether a 8000lb vehicle with 4or5 leafs at 2corners will ride better lubed is up to you. thanx geo.

Funniest thing, I used a silicone spray on the pads, now I have a lowfrequency rubbing noise. What was I thinking? Now I need to do some thing else.