Mine are looking pretty bad. I added polyurethane bushings where ever I could and love the way the car handles. Any suggestions on the leaf spring pads? Should I get OEM rubber, or poly? Any difference in the way it handles there or noise?
I will tell you I replaced my about 10 years ago with reproduction pads. I had a hell of a time crushing them to have a solid metal to metal clamp. I didn't think too much about it and eventually got them flat enough with a second U bolt set up. Fast forward to today, and restoring the car as a frame off complete restoration. I was able to buy NOS pads that are advertised as GM original's and they clamped right down a lot easier than the repro's. I suspect the new rubber is a formulation that is much harder and less forgiving than the originals. My 2 cents, buy the NOS ones for a little more money. I think it was NPD that sold them.
Got mine a couple years ago from local GM dealer. Leaf Spring Cushion GM #3930052. Used Poly bushings for shackles to take some slop out, GM spring cushions and rubber front spring bushing to help reduce road harshness transmitted to the car. Worked great.