my '98 makes so many innocuous noises I don't listen anymore (except u-joint type repetative thumps).
I've got three inch greasable shackles, keep 'em lubed, and full re 11 leaf springs that I've long gave upon lubing. I figure after eight years those slip pads are now just part of the landscape.
There's this stuff called Boeshield, made by Boeing for the plane industry, marine stores somtimes have it it. Expensive, but does what it claims to do, and if you still have the sweeks, trust me, the Boeshield will come in handy in a thousand other applications.
I tried once to pry leaves apart, I must me a girlyman, but couldn't. WD40 washes away easy, maybe tranny fluid or motor oil in a metal oiling can would complete ctorts decent idea.