2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Axle Wrap?

[AC]

In heavy torque situations the back end of the truck seems to hop around or shudder. This happens primarily in 4th or 5th gear when I really stomp on it. When this happens I just back off or gear down. It almost feels like the road gets real bumpy all of the sudden. Is this axle wrap? If so, can you put traction bars on a 1 ton with air bags?



Thanks, AC

 

[claykelly]

I've got the same thing, looking for traction bars, member Rob Thomas supposedly makes some but I can't an answer from him... ... anyone else know of any solutions to the axle wrap problem?

 

[BarryG]

I just put some on a month or so ago. I also could not get a hold of Rob Thomas after multiple tries. However I did find out about member Lsfarm who makes a set that I am very happy with. Took me under 2 hours to install them and am very happy with them. I would Pm him.

 

[AC]

Thanks Barry,



I PM'd LsFarm. Just waiting for an answer. Still not sure if they'll work on my 3500. Do they mount on the top of the axle? Aaron

 

[EBottema]

No guys, get rid of those worthless factory blocks. Get a custom spring pack made... . No blocks=no axle wrap

 

[BarryG]

AC:

No they mount on the bottom. The rear mount is a plate that goes right on the bottom of the existing u bolts. You just place the plate on the bottom of the u bolt and use the supplied nuts. It only takes about 5 minutes to install the rear mounts. Then you attach the bar and the front mount. Place it up to the frame, mark and drill the front hole. Remove the bar from the front mount, slip in the frame strengthening plate (which has the nuts welded to it)install the front bolt and then mark and drill the second hole. Attach the bars again and adjust the bars(simply by turning them by hand) and tighten the jamb nuts, thats all there is to it. Lsfarms instructions were right on and made the install easy.



On the rear mounts you need to have at least an inch of excess thread on the stock bolts below the existing nuts which stay on, or you need to get longer ones (so that there is room for the mount and the additional nuts). I had more than enough excess threads on my stock bolts. I dont see why they wouldnt work on a 3500.

 

[Beast2B]

No blocks=no axle wrap

I'd agree about 90%, but no blocks equals way LESS wrap, not ZERO wrap.

 

[AC]

Ebottema, I'm not sure a custom spring set up will allow me to haul my cabover camper and tow my horse trailer. Without the blocks and the air bags I'm afraid I'd be dragging my tail down the road. I do like the idea of having a smoother ride as this truck is my daily driver however. Is it possible to have both?



Barry, Any Pics? Thanks, AC

 

[EBottema]

I'll try and get some pics today. I had a custom set of leafs made by Atlas springs here in los angeles. High quality stuff. I had a fat overload spring put in for towing also. You can change the arch, add a few leafs and a bigger overload to get rid of the blocks... .



Erik

 

[Cooker]

I would be very careful in dealing with Rob Thomas:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...p?t=120687&highlight=rob+thomas+traction+bars

 

[R-N-R]

LSFarm is still making them. He has been in the air a lot lately, send him an e-mail it works better than PM.

 

[Hammer]

If the bars like Rob used to make is what you want then as they have said contact LSfarm(Greg Long) and he will fix you up. There are a few other options also as Fabritech and L&L both makes sets which will fit. I have also heard that Jason at NW Customs makes some,but I have never seen them. Hope this adds a few more choices... ... Andy

 

[claykelly]

I'll try and get some pics today. I had a custom set of leafs made by Atlas springs here in los angeles. High quality stuff. I had a fat overload spring put in for towing also. You can change the arch, add a few leafs and a bigger overload to get rid of the blocks... .



Erik

Did this resolve your spring wrap at all? Have any pics????

 

[Beast2B]

how about one of these setups?

http://www.keldermanmfg.com/productdetails.php?id=94DDGREAR

or check out their 4-link rear bags, remove the leaves completely and have the ride and capacity you want...

 

[AC]

Thanks for the ideas! I have talked to Greg ( LsFarm) and am very interested. I looked at NW Custom but don't see anything on their Web site. I'll do a search on google and check out both Fabritech and L and L. I don't think the Kelderman system is for me. Maybe if I rode in one I'd change my mind but it seems like overkill.

The idea of changing out the leaf springs has me thinking. I like the idea of losing the block and perhaps improving the everyday ride as well. I'm just not sure if that will work for someone like myself that tows heavy. Which is why the bars that LsFarm is selling are tempting. They're an easy bolt on assembly and problem solved. AC

 

[EBottema]

Spring wrap cannot ever be resolved 100 percent but mine is 99 percent better after having custom springs made. After leveling my truck after lifting the front and getting rid of the blocks, they are 8" over stock... Helped a lot, im very happy... . let me try and get some pics for you posted

 

[claykelly]

Please do, I'd love to see the setup. How much were the custom springs?

 

[Hammer]

I see now where Superlift Suspensions is releasing a axle wrap eliminating "Torque Max Traction Bar". Its listed in the newest issue of Truckin' magazine as a new product in the Get Lifted article. I did look at their website and found no lisiting so you may have to email them about availability... ... ... Andy

 

[EBottema]

Right now, custom springs with overload cost me $700 for the pair plus $100 installation. The labor was a steal and steel prices are high right now... well worth the money!



erik

 

[EBottema]

My springs were made by Atlas Springs in City of Industry California. The guy that runs the place knows a lot and is super nice. Very high quality materials and great product. I was More than happy!!!! Sorry for the dirty pics. Havent washed the truck in a few weeks... :{



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No Blocks! Plus big fat overload spring!!!

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Click the pics for a larger view!

~Erik