Is there a cure for wheel hop?

[WRStrong]

Okay, I've searched the forums for information but gave up.



I have a 07. 5 MegaCab 4X4 w/auto trans that I use in deep sand. This truck shudders so bad under light wheel spin in sand, it's terrible. My previous CTD was an 03 and didn't hop quite as badly. The situation improves when I get out of the throttle but you can't just keep letting up if you expect to keep moving.



I understand the physics (somewhat) of whats' going on during wheel spin that causes axle (or wheel) hop. But I don't understand why some trucks are worse than others.



Anyone out there an expert on wheel hop? And more importantly, has anyone found a remedy?



Thanks in advance.

 

[31b]

I'm no expert on wheel hop but I had traction bars on my '67 Camaro and that helped plant the rear tires on hard acceleration from a stop. I did not have "slapper' bars. I don't remember the correct name for them but mine mounted to the axle and then bolted via a bracket to the front of the leaf springs. It was good in a straight line but it did not like hard cornering. Don't know if that was what you were looking for but it's all that I got on wheel hop.

 

[JJPage]

RideRite air bags! Stop your wheel hop and level your load.

 

[SSell]

Dont know the fix, I had an extra full-length leaf spring installed to deal with a slide-in camper, doesn't windup and start hopping as easily as stock springs would but definitely still does it. Next time around I'd probably try airbags

 

[Regcabguy]

I don't see how airbags of any design will help axle wrap. Traction bars will certainly cure it but they limit your ground clearance somewhat. My '98. 5 had it real bad due to the thick blocks in the rear. My new one is better. An aftermarket replacement spring like Carli's or Kore should improve it as it further shortens the distance between axle and spring.

 

[hearingyourlies]

Tuff country makes these stupid little traction bars that mount to the top of the leaf spring for like 170 bucks. My mechanic installed them today. I have yet to drive it, but he said for an old guy it's a night and day difference in the rear end.

 

[GCroyle]

WRStrong,



Any experience with empty or light load vs. fully loaded and the resulting wheel hop?



I drive my '05 on sand roads once in a while and I have had wheel hop also. I am thinking it might (underscore might) be due to the truck sitting on the light load section of the springs and when you roll, the spring wraps. Repeat with heavy load and you are well into the main load springs, not the easy ride section. When you are well into the springs, the system stiffens up, the springs contact the perches and it is less prone to wrapping.



What say you?

 

[Little Bill]

I had severe spring wrap/wheel hop in my '01 2500. A set of ladder bars fixed that. Had a little bit in my '06 3500. Got it under control by pulling out the lift blocks from between the axle and spring pack. That also lowered the rear of the truck a little and that was a good thing too.

 

[snuff]

ladder bars... .

 

[Forrest Nearing]

traction bars

 

[WRStrong]

"Any experience with empty or light load vs. fully loaded and the resulting wheel hop?"



Come to think of it, I don't experience wheel hop as bad when I have the 5th wheel hooked up while stuck on the beach... . Maybe it is a matter of stiffening up the spring pack. ?



"Tuff country makes these stupid little traction bars that mount to the top of the leaf spring for like 170 bucks. My mechanic installed them today. I have yet to drive it, but he said for an old guy it's a night and day difference in the rear end. "



I'd love to hear how these work out after you drive your truck. I've seen similar products and wondered if they could really control axle wrap. Plus I am an old guy so it should be perfect!



Thanks for the replies guys. This is an interesting topic and it's very annoying condition. I'd like to find a cure to pass along to others. BTW, A friend of mine stuck his powerstroke in the sand and shook it so hard getting out that the rear view mirror fell off the windshield. :-laf He didn't think it was funny though .

 

[JJPage]

I don't see how airbags of any design will help axle wrap. Traction bars will certainly cure it but they limit your ground clearance somewhat. My '98. 5 had it real bad due to the thick blocks in the rear. My new one is better. An aftermarket replacement spring like Carli's or Kore should improve it as it further shortens the distance between axle and spring.

I did not expect the airbags to limit wheel hop, that was not the purpose I installed them for. They connect to the axle and to the frame, they help stabilize the axle.



Since installing my bags, I have not had so much as a shudder! Do with this info as you please, I am just stating my results, even if they were found by accident.



Jess

 

[WRStrong]

JJPage, Your response is well taken. Thanks for sharing it. That's what these forums are best for. I would really consider air bags as a solution. Plus there's the other benefits of added carrying capacity.



Thanks again.

 

[JJPage]

WRStrong, you are a Prince! Thank you for your sincere and diplomatic response, something I need to practice myself.



Jess

 

[DFairhurst]

I live on the oregon coast an the sand dunes are about 1/4mile away from my house. Let the air out if the tires to stop the wheel hop. Most tires will stay on the bead down around 20psi "EXCEPT FOR 16. 5 wheels they'll roll right off the bead!" it allows the tire to flex in the sand an no more wheel hop, but should air up as soon as u get off the sand.
If you have a load try letting a little out at a time just depends on how heavy it is you want the tires to bulge so it has give an traction on the sand but not fall off the rim. I have a 24' toy hauler loaded its about 8k an i pull it up an down the dunes just fine, and laugh at all the guys stuck as soon as there trailer tires hit the sand.
Oh i also let some air out of the trailer or you'll just end up digging ruts with it an dragging the axles. hope it helps and good luck.

 

[BEmmert]

I have had air bags on my 98. 5 for 9 years now and it sure does not stop any hop. Full of air or not there still is enough flex in the bags them selves to allow it to hop. However if your loaded heavy it will not hop. Or at least I haven't had it hop when loaded.

 

[DHD]

I added traction bars and lower the pressure in my tires. It seems to have eliminated the wheel hop I experienced while driving in fairly deep sand.

 

[SRadke]

Traction bars will stop the hop. Airbags, if anything, will make it worse. They take load off the springs which as mentioned earlier loosens them up allowing the axle to twist or "wrap" them easier. If you want to understand these things on a severe scale go to a sledpull.

-Scott

 

[MickeyMiller]

When I went from the stock sized Michlen tires to the 315/70 BFG ATs I saw a big reduction in tire hop. Off road, I air down to 20#s and don't have much hop except on loose material going up hill. I am looking at a Sam's Offroad traction bar to finally resolve the issue, that's next month's project! I'll keep you posted.

 

[WRStrong]

Thanks a lot for all the feedback. I'm definitely going to experiment with tire air pressure. Based on warnings about not reducing air pressure, I've been cautious about airing down lower than about 50 psi !! I'll try taking them down further since I have an aircompressor nearby if it goes bad. I'd hate to blow one off the rim and have to change a tire in foot-deep dry sugar sand.



I'm also about ready to ditch the original equipment tires. Hopefully bigger tires and low pressures will help reduce shake to the point where the doors don't fall off.



I'd still appreciate hearing back from folks on their experiences and fixes



Thanks again.