Tidying (restoring) leaf springs

[chilly]

The leaf springs on my pick up are rusty and scruffy looking. Once wire-brushed off, should I paint them or simply coat them in old engine oil, waxoil or something?
What's the best treatment?
Ta.

[philthehill]

Only coat old springs in old oil or WAXOL if the springs are not worn i.e. The ends of the leaf has not worn into the leaf above.
Lubricating the spring will make them more flexible and if the spring leaf comes up against the end of the wear path smartish it can break the spring leaf.
If they have worn into the leaf above just wire brush and leave as is.
If the springs are new you can coat them in WAXOL - which will help keep the rust at bay but not lubricate them to any degree which is what you want.

[chilly]

Thanks Phil. I'll examine them and treat them accordingly.