DIY Traction Bars
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DIY Traction Bars
I have 1997 PSD and i wanted to fabricate my own custom traction bars in the rear to save some money. But something that really has kept me from doing it thus far is that once you mount them, then will the radius of the bars obstruct and damage the up and down movemnt of the leafsprings and axles. I really need some input from someone who knows about this cus i want to make sure i cure the axle wrap and not PRODUCE a worse problem... Thnaks, Luke.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Sesser Il
I don't know how much help I can be but a while back in Four Wheeler magazine, I believe, they had and article on adding a single bar. I was mounted as close to the differential housing as possible then ran forward to a custom crossmember. At the axle it was mounted with a bushing on bottom and heim joint on top for adjustability. The front had a bushing as well, but instead of mounting directly to the crossmember, it went to a shackle above the crossmember. The shackle allows the bar to prevent axle twist as intended, but allows some movement back and forth with the normal movement of the axle. If I am not mistaking, the components came in a do it yourself kit that you order the kit and tell them the length of tubing needed and they send you all the parts for you to weld together and install.
TC
TC
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,052
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From: Jacksonville FL
Maybe this will help you would or at least give you some ideas.
Traction bar build thread - The National Lightning Owners Club Inc
http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/gen-1-li...-finished.html
Traction Bars Finished *PICS* - The National Lightning Owners Club Inc
Traction bar build thread - The National Lightning Owners Club Inc
http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/gen-1-li...-finished.html
Traction Bars Finished *PICS* - The National Lightning Owners Club Inc
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Look at these. Might be easy to duplicate. I think they explain their geometry etc so you can get some ideas. These are adjustable also.
Calvert Racing - The Leader in Leaf Spring Innovation
Calvert Racing - The Leader in Leaf Spring Innovation
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I'll add that technically it's a little better to mount this type traction bar above the axle instead of below, that puts the bar under tension(stretching) stress when the axle tries to twist instead of compressive stress where the bar has to be much beefier to prevent bending. I don't know how practical it would be but you could even make an above axle traction system using cable... as long as it doesn't stretch too much, it certainly wouldn't impede axle articulation.
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