Traction Bars or Springs

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 7, 2008 | 09:49 PM

Pickupman2004

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 301

Likes: 2

From: Florida

Traction Bars or Springs

While I suppose I could do both, I was hoping on only doing one option. So the question is, should I add Fabtech traction bars to help offset any axel wrap from the 6" block or should I do Icon's 5" springs with either no block or a 1" block.

While I have heard that the springs will give a better ride, in looking at them, it is hard to believe it. They have 10 springs in lieu of the 5 that are on there stock. Plus, it appears that some creative engineering will need to be done with the 4" aftermarket exhaust if I did the springs. With regards to Fabtech's traction bars, how much does it stiffen the rear sususpension up? How much noise do they end up making?

Would appreciate some quick feedback. Also, I am having Icon's 4 link installed......while I don't know if it will actually be worth the money, I am hoping that I can at least can feel a little bit of a difference driving it....otherwise, I will be irritated on having spent the money.

May 7, 2008 | 11:33 PM

cartmanea

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 6,757

Likes: 5

From: Corvallis, OR

I have Donahoe Racing (now Icon) 4" springs in front and they ride like butter. Having more think leaves make them flex better and ride softer. My 4" springs are 11 leaves over the stock 2. I have stock rears with 5" blocks now, hope to eventually go with Icon or Deaver rear springs and eliminate the blocks.

May 8, 2008 | 06:56 AM

Pickupman2004

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 301

Likes: 2

From: Florida

If you were to press on your front bumper, could you bounce the front of your truck up and down? The reason I ask is that on my 2000 and 2004 PSDs with 4" lifts, I couldn't get the front to move at all when pressing on the bumper. Now on my 2007, I can push on the front bumper (or back) and bounce the truck up and down. So if you can't move the front of your truck with the wait of your body, then I would say that they aftermarket springs would ride stiffer then stock.

This might not be very scientific, but I thought I would ask anyways.

May 8, 2008 | 11:32 AM

cartmanea

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 6,757

Likes: 5

From: Corvallis, OR

Yes I can make the front end flex by stepping on the bumper, haven't tried it on stock suspension for comparison. I can tell you for sure though, my 4" lift springs run much more plush than stock. I caught air on a big speed bump a while back and with the Bilstein shocks I didn't even feel it make contact on the way down, nice and soft.

May 8, 2008 | 11:47 AM

bbender85

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 4,859

Likes: 55

From: Middleville, MI

i think you'll still run the chance of axle wrap with little or no block, so if i was in your situation i'd do the bars myself. not sure how the rear icons are, but i'd have to imagine you'll sacrifice some towability (squat) if you pull or haul anything running those.

i made my own bars for less than $150 in material

May 8, 2008 | 11:52 AM

RDJ184

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 3,971

Likes: 0

From: EDGEWOOD

snap a pic of the rear mounts for me

May 8, 2008 | 05:40 PM

GregsSD

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,391

Likes: 1

From: NorCal

I switched to the Donahoe Racing 5" rear springs last year and have to say they are great!

I was also debating on whether to go with traction bars or springs.

There is still a little axlewrap but it is much better than it was with the blocks. The ride is better but I did switch to Donahoe Racing shocks at the same time. The towing capacity is better than the stock springs, I have a weekend warrior trailer that is very heavy on the front end and it tows much nicer after switching springs!