Thinking about Traction bars

[aGood'olBoy]

I've been debating about building a set of traction bars for my truck. But the more i research, the more i realize how expensive they will be. Heim joints well over 100, bushings close to that, dom is pricey, plate steel is expensive. So is there a cheaper way of doing it? Or is it just that expensive? Also pics of your traction bar's would be cool.

 

[nvrenuf]

Sled pulling or wheeling?

If pulling, then 2 typical bars will work. If wheeling, go with a single bar mounted towards the center with a pivoting front mount. Check out the kit for sale by Off Road Design for an example.

 

[aGood'olBoy]

I don't do sled pulling or wheeling regularly but I'd like to be able to. It's my daily but it's got too much axle hop when the tires break loose. That's mainly what i want is to get rid of the axle hop.

 

[nvrenuf]

I'd suggest the single traction bar like the ORD kit. This kit will control wheel hop but not limit suspension articulation like 2 traction bars will.

Diy4x also makes a kit called a Wraptor System.

 

[aGood'olBoy]

I've seen diy4x' s wraptor kit, looks like a great setup bit again too much money. I was unsure if one bar would solve my axle wrap issues. I'm thinking that would offer the best angle for the bar because you could just mount one end under the pinion on the axle, and the other end to the transfer case crossmember. It would be perfectly inline with the driveshaft. Plus with one bar the cost would be half of a traditional traction bar or ladder bar setup.

 

[kleedus]

I found this picture on the web not sure what kind of truck or any details

I like the way they are built

 

[aGood'olBoy]

I've seen that setup before. It's hinged on the bracket so it doesn't bind but you still have the advantages of a ladder bar.

 

[nvrenuf]

You don't just want regular bushings on the shackle at the forward mount, you also want a heim or flex joint on one of the points to allow the traction bar some movement on an arc like the end of the axle.

On the ORD bar the upper shackle mount has a flex joint similar to this -

http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/30-Ultra-Duty-BALLISTIC-Joint_p_1507.html

 

[aGood'olBoy]

I was assuming heim joints at each end of the bars. I like that ladder bar setup above but I can't imagine that'd be cheap. I would imagine you would use bushings on the frame mount then 8 heim joints for the bars.

 

[nvrenuf]

8 heims? So you're going with a 2 ladder bar set up?

 

[aGood'olBoy]

Well idk if I will or not. I'm just judging costs of such a setup.

 

[Nick.koehler6]

My buddy made some out of tractor 3 point hitch.

 

[aGood'olBoy]

Pics or it never happened.. But seriously did he extend the arms because there awfully short. Plus those 3 point hitch's are kinda sloppy.

 

[Nick.koehler6]

Ill tell him to send me a few pictures when he gets his phone back. Very slick design.

 

[aGood'olBoy]

Still no pictures??!?