M416 Leaf Spring Clamps

[a45automan]

Hello,
I have my M416 striped down repairing the frame and getting ready to send to powder coating but, I would like to overhaul the leaf springs, I don't want to just spray some paint on them. Has anyone taken apart their leaf springs to refurbish them and then put them back together using the existing spring clamps? If so, how did that work for you? Did you just slide them off or did you release the band and then reinstall bending the tab back? Do I need new spring clamps?

Thanks for your help.

 

[tarditi]

you can get new spring packs, unless you want the posterity of having reconditioned them or something.

I just sprayed mine, but I wouldn't open and then re-bend the clamps if you were to remove them - might bind the spring or fatigue/break the clamp - it just keeps them in alignment so they don't fan apart