Explain like I'm 5 - Traction Bars
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 575
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Explain like I'm 5 - Traction Bars
I am looking into ordering my lift kit and there's a 900$ option for traction bars. I've only owned one lifted truck before and I do not think it had these. I've googled and see some old topics with contradicting answers.
Do do you guys who have them think they are worth it? Or do I even need them?
Do do you guys who have them think they are worth it? Or do I even need them?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 7
On spring over trucks like ours, traction/ladder bars can prevent bent springs, busted u-joints and wheel hop.
When you get on the throttle the rear diff wants to point upward and turn your rear springs into an S shape. A ladder bar can prevent this.
When you get on the throttle the rear diff wants to point upward and turn your rear springs into an S shape. A ladder bar can prevent this.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Newton's 3rd law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Putting power down to rotate the tires creates and opposite but equal reaction that tries to rotate your axle tubes in the opposite direction. This is known as axle wrap.
A lifted truck with larger tires will see worse axle wrap. The farther the axle is from the ground, the more leverage to cause axle wrap.
On a stock truck your suspension (mostly the leaf springs) are what resists axle wrap. On some vehicles the leaf springs are not capable of controling the force. This is what causes axle or wheel hop. I've seen a Mustang frag a 9 inch differential due to axle hop while performing a hard launch.
Traction bars convert that axle wrap energy into a downward force on the axle tubes, which can often be beneficial in low traction conditions.
Putting power down to rotate the tires creates and opposite but equal reaction that tries to rotate your axle tubes in the opposite direction. This is known as axle wrap.
A lifted truck with larger tires will see worse axle wrap. The farther the axle is from the ground, the more leverage to cause axle wrap.
On a stock truck your suspension (mostly the leaf springs) are what resists axle wrap. On some vehicles the leaf springs are not capable of controling the force. This is what causes axle or wheel hop. I've seen a Mustang frag a 9 inch differential due to axle hop while performing a hard launch.
Traction bars convert that axle wrap energy into a downward force on the axle tubes, which can often be beneficial in low traction conditions.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 193
From: AZ
Don't fix it if it ain't broke...
Do you have problems/issues with your truck that could be addressed by traction bars?
Do you have axle wrap or hop and if so, why? Did you lift your truck or increase it's power? How are you using your truck when it exhibits axle wrap/hop?
BDS Suspension RECOIL Traction Bars
Do you have problems/issues with your truck that could be addressed by traction bars?
Do you have axle wrap or hop and if so, why? Did you lift your truck or increase it's power? How are you using your truck when it exhibits axle wrap/hop?
BDS Suspension RECOIL Traction Bars
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