traction bars

[maverick_935]

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?

[DmaxMaverick]

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.

[gimpyhauler]

Another question of importance?

Do you ever drive off-road on rough terrain?

[DmaxMaverick]

Another question of importance?

Do you ever drive off-road on rough terrain?

That's basically what I meant by "got in the way", on several levels.

[maverick_935]

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.

[Kennedy]

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.

[maverick_935]

where would I even begin to look for a center link like that.

[Kennedy]

You'd have to build it yourself.

Years back when I was mud racing I had this done on my truck. I had a local machinist fab up a pin with a wide base that we welded to the top of the housing. I built an additional crossmember and a simple mild steel link bar.

[SoTxPollock]

Interesting, so did you use it basically as a pinion snubber to prevent pinion rise under power? If so, was the up down suspension movement affected?

I like the idea of traction bars, but have never had any that didn't restrict suspension movement too much to suit my ride firmness on the street. On the strip, who cares, you want all the traction you can get.