Ladder bars
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New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Florida,it's flat and hot
Should I remove my ladder bars?
I have ladder bars on my 97 f150 4x4 4.6L,they look homemade,not sure .Do I need them? My truck doesn't have a lift but it does have 33" tires,all I use it for is work.I am about to pull them off,is there any thing I need to pay attention to in particular when driving or pulling a small trailer?
Last edited by stevebe1fl; Jul 18, 2007 at 12:58 PM. Reason: Wanted to add more details
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Area
Ladder bars are added to prevent leaf spring windup. They help if you're drag racing or otherwise applying lots of torque to the rear wheels. Your large diameter tires may accentuate this problem. I don't know if the original owner had this problem, or if they may have been put on for show.
A better solution for most trucks is good staggered shocks as on the Lightning.
If you remove them, you will improve the ride, because there is now some front to rear compliance. But you may have to be just a little careful in jamming down the accelerator.
A better solution for most trucks is good staggered shocks as on the Lightning.
If you remove them, you will improve the ride, because there is now some front to rear compliance. But you may have to be just a little careful in jamming down the accelerator.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Saratoga USA
Neither the 4.6 or 5.4, if basically stock, need ladder bars. Even a stock Lightning does not need them. I'd say they are on there for show, and you'll never notice they are gone. Besides, they are just extra weight, which hurts mileage.
