[TheForge] welding spring steel

[Wayne]

I am making a pair of forks to attach to the bucket on my tractor.  I 
had some old truck leaf springs that I thought would be ideal.  I took 
some of the bend out in the forge and welded them up.  I am having 
trouble with the welds breaking.  I am a self-taught welder so reading 
up a bit, it appears I should be preheating before welding, but I was 
also wondering what rod I should be using for a better weld.  I am 
trying to weld a mild steel spacer between two leaf springs.

thanks
Wayne