Are traction bars worth installing. If not why and then why do they installl them on all the trucks in the magazines to help with traction?
Are traction bars worth installing. If not why and then why do they installl them on all the trucks in the magazines to help with traction?
2005 gmc 3500 c/c 4x4 dually 2015 Sierra 377FLIK 14,000lbs
Rebuilt Allison w/ billet torque converter and upgraded clutches
lly Duramax
edge juice w/attitude
Kennedy boost stick
banks air box
MBRP 4" SS
egr blocker plate and finger stick
head studs
Traction bars don't really do anything, directly, for traction. They minimize/eliminate axle spring wrap, which helps to prevent wheel hop/chatter, which will help keep the tread in contact with the surface. If you have this condition, you'll have to compare the cost to the return according to your situation. If you are using the vehicle for high power/performance competition (drags, pulls, etc.) they are almost necessary. If you drive frequently on very loose surfaces, such as sand, they will allow better traction at higher tire pressure (prevents bead breaking) without all the chatter.
It depends on why you think you need them, how much you want/have to spend, and how they will affect the actual conditions. If you aren't experiencing wheel hop or chatter, they'll look cool, but won't help anything. I've had them on previous vehicles, and they got in the way more often than they helped. (YMMV) Are they worth it? Only you can decide.
Another question of importance?
Do you ever drive off-road on rough terrain?
my axle seems to be turning the pinion up or down a lot more than I think it should. I don't sue it at all except main roads. I pull my trailers which are in the 12000lb range. Other than that daily driver.
What are my best options for this truck:
Caltracs or something else.
Don't want to change anything just prevent possible driveshaft or u-joint damage.
2005 gmc 3500 c/c 4x4 dually 2015 Sierra 377FLIK 14,000lbs
Rebuilt Allison w/ billet torque converter and upgraded clutches
lly Duramax
edge juice w/attitude
Kennedy boost stick
banks air box
MBRP 4" SS
egr blocker plate and finger stick
head studs
The key factor with Caltracs is the ability to adjust preload/anti Squat and get the bars "out of the way" if needed. This was the key factor 10-12+ yrs ago when we had them develop the GM 2500 HD application for Brandon's truck.
Another less popular method is a single link running parallel to the driveshaft connecting the top of the rear diff center section to a point on a frame crossmember. This would prevent/minimize axle wrap while having minimal impact on ride/squat.
Kennedy Diesel-owner
More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
Superflow Lie Detector in house
2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ
Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!