Thinking out loud here. A while back I remember reading a thread (can't find it to save my life) about a set of traction bars that were basically long shocks that you could preload with an air compressor. Would it be possible/adviseable to try this with cal trac brackets and a heavy shock? My truck is lifted and I don't want long bars to try and save some ground clearance. My thinking is that it would ride better on the street but still stop the axle wrap under acceleration. Thoughts?
Question: Traction bar idea?
- Thread starter SgtKilroy
- Start date
Basically a shock only dampens movement so it would not really work, as it still permits movement. If it moves enough to make it ride smooth, it will do the same under acceleration.
Not saying it will not help some, but it probably will not be a great invention either.
You likely want something that allows movement but becomes solid (or bottoms out after minimal movement) to plant the tires.
Now it you wanted to try something in between, look at how Competition Engineering made the Slide-a-link bars. They are adjustable with a rubber cushion that may take out some of the harshness, but still retain most of the effectiveness once the rubber is compressed. It allows minimal flex before becoming effectively solid.
Not saying it will not help some, but it probably will not be a great invention either.
You likely want something that allows movement but becomes solid (or bottoms out after minimal movement) to plant the tires.
Now it you wanted to try something in between, look at how Competition Engineering made the Slide-a-link bars. They are adjustable with a rubber cushion that may take out some of the harshness, but still retain most of the effectiveness once the rubber is compressed. It allows minimal flex before becoming effectively solid.
Ok I guess shock was a poor choice of words. I meant it more as the same idea whoever it was had with the long bars. Does anyone remember the thread I'm talking about?
Those slide a links are pretty cool. Basically caltracs with a little flex in them. I do like how they're clamped to the leaf spring instead of just having a pin that slaps the spring every time the suspension flexes though.
Link if anyone's interested: http://www.competitionengineering.com/catalog/CategoryDisplay.asp?CatCode=13116
Those slide a links are pretty cool. Basically caltracs with a little flex in them. I do like how they're clamped to the leaf spring instead of just having a pin that slaps the spring every time the suspension flexes though.
Link if anyone's interested: http://www.competitionengineering.com/catalog/CategoryDisplay.asp?CatCode=13116
If you want something that plants the tires, limits axle wrap & does not bind up the suspension, check this out.
http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/tractionbar.htm
Works like a torque arm suspension found in the 4th gen Camaros.
http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/tractionbar.htm
Works like a torque arm suspension found in the 4th gen Camaros.
I'm running something similar to that on both sides just inboard of the spring perches. I bought the parts and material from WFO Concepts. Basically their Torque Arms.
That was Shane at Motorsport (wicked) diesel who had the pneumatic traction bars. They were really similar to cal-tracs but used air to preload them. I have no idea if they are still available.
That's awesome! Thanks!
Mind sharing any pictures of your setup?
I checked their website but no luck. I'd be interested to find out what happened with them. Did anyone use them?
I don't know but I have contacted Shane via text fairly recently so that could be worth a shot. I am planning on building a torque arm or two this winter, the links in this thread might make that easier than I expected.
I had an old 90 3/4 ton Chevy with a 4" rancho lift that had a shock mounted on top of the leaf pack that attached to the front of the leaf and the other end was held on by the U bolts I think. It was all rancho stuff
No direct side shot of the set up. This all I have for now. They basically look like radius arms. Poly bushing housing welded to the frame, shackle, johnny joint, heim joint, d.o.m., couple more poly bushings and housings and mount brackets welded to axle. The last picture is the axle mount.
http://s182.photobucket.com/user/mackthehack/media/car/IMG_1080.jpg.html?sort=3&o=11
http://s182.photobucket.com/user/mackthehack/media/car/IMG_1084.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2
http://s182.photobucket.com/user/mackthehack/media/car/IMG_1085.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1
http://s182.photobucket.com/user/mackthehack/media/car/IMG_1080.jpg.html?sort=3&o=11
http://s182.photobucket.com/user/mackthehack/media/car/IMG_1084.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2
http://s182.photobucket.com/user/mackthehack/media/car/IMG_1085.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1
i plan on 4 linking the truck bag over axle and gutting all leaf suspension.. you can buy most / all the fab parts from vendors online.. ruffstuff, rustysoffroad, ballistic fab.
hope you start a thread on this.I'm pondering the same idea.just need to finish all the other projects first.
well, got in touch and my brackets will be cut this weekend. some may think its dumb but i already have wheel hop problems. i could just do simple traction bars but i wanted to solve 3 problems i had.
4 link solves wheel hop
bag over axle solves towing / any weight issues
bag is a smoother ride than leafs.
supposed to be this type of bracket but modified to fit our trucks. and hold a mans air bag over the axle..
http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Flat-Bottom-Radius-Arm-Coil-Mounts_p_1184.html
this bag
http://www.slamspecialties.com/air_springs/SS-8.pdf
