Lubricating rear leafsprings

[wildcat]

Hi all,
We joined the club after buying a 1966 4 door with some sensible upgrades. We are very happy with it but the kids think the ride in the back is "too bouncy"
I have ordered up some SAE 40 for the dampers. The car has been well serviced but I will grease the front suspension as required and top up the dampers. Will then empty, flush and refill when I have the time.
Rear dampers seem like they will take a bit more effort since the advice is generally to remove them but will do that soon.
Common practice with leaf sprung land rovers is to oil the leaf springs with old engine oil/petrol mix, helps the leaves move and improves the ride. I have seen only one favourable mention of this on minor forums. I was given books with the minor. One book (no cover or title) states that there are rubber mouldings between leaf clips and springs which are in place on our minor and advises not to get oil near them. The springs have superficial rust but the leaves aren't opened out or separating anywhere.
Would it be better to leave them as they are or use something like Castrol Chain Lube (for motorbikes) which is described as not attracting dirt and safe for rubber. Recommended once a year on a Morgan website.
What are people's views,
Cheers,
George

PS The car belongs to the wife, hence our handle Wildcat. Which is her favourite beer........

[bmcecosse]

I would NOT oil them - that will only make the ride MORE bouncy....the dry springs act as self dampers to an extent. Are the rear bump stops in place - and how close are they to the chassis leg? It is permissible to cut a good inch off the bump stops - try to preserve the taper shape - and this allows more movement before the sudden 'bump' as the bump stop hits the chassis. You won't be disappointed with the SAE 40.......and yes flush through a couple of times for best effect - and then top up a week later - but always leave a small air space .

[steve jw]

I cant see that a light spray with penetrating oil will hurt - hadn't they used to wrap the springs in an oiled material? or am I thinking of something else. I can see the logic why not to get to much oil on the rubber mouldings, as said above dry springs might dampen the ride.

[samuria]

i have always used old oil on my springs.
my father did for many years on both his cars and side cars.
i now clean the springs once a year before the winter with my pressure washer,
then a wire brush.
then cover the ground with a old blanket (get them from charity shop £2)
soaks up oil quick. then spray the springs. i use old ep90 drained
from my landrover.
works a treat

[bmcecosse]

Big heavy duty springs were oiled/wrapped..... Light duty Minor springs - NO! In fact the 5 leaf springs are miserably weak - I would fit 7 leaf Traveller springs to stiffen up the back end..... The 'rough ride' people experience is the suspension smashing on the bump stops !