Competition Traction Bars... best setup?

[Nate]

Ok, I asked this in the 24v forum and not getting a whole lot of info.





What is better, single mount to the axle... ie single bar or double mount to the axle... ie dual bar???





I was told single, but then I was talking to a few people and they said dual. Figure I'd ask the guys that are really using these things (on here) and find out.

 

[jwilliams3]

Are you going to be sledpulling by any chance?

 

[Nate]

Yes, when I can.

 

[jwilliams3]

Are you making them or buying a set?

 

[Nate]

Building them.



I orginally planned on a dual bar setup, but I was told in the other thread that that setup binds more, and the single is better.



Though I was talking to a few Duramax guys they other day and they told me just the opposite!





The thing is I'm not overly familar with traction bar setups... advantages/disadvantages to a single or dual bar setup. I was hoping to get advice from people that are using them.



I was thinking of single, mounting to the U bolt perch (or whatever you want to call it) and then to the frame about where the quad cab is.



Not sure on 1. 25 or 1. 5" HREW tube. I'm thinking 1/4" wall should be fine.



Does that sound about right??



It's for sled pulling, and also for road use. I get TERRIBLE wheep hop pulling trailers on dirt mountain roads.

 

[jwilliams3]

1. 5 OD bar for sledpulling go no longer than 5 feet in length.



Really a single bar setup is good for any street diesel powered pulling truck.

 

[BILLVO]

If the wheel hop is from the wash boards in the road they will not help a whole lot for road conditions that cause wheel hop,maybe a little help but it was minimal . They do work for the hop caused by axle spring wrap in sand or snow created wheel hop expecially in 4wd, it eliminated all of that for me. I just went with a cheap set of ladder bars and they work awesome. I have sled pulled 3 times with them.

 

[BigBadDodge]

I wouldn't go any smaller then 3/8" on that wall thickness I have seen folks bow the 1/4" pretty easily.



BBD

 

[Nate]

Ok, thanks for the info.



What size Heim would be appropriate??

 

[Forrest]

Ok, I asked this in the 24v forum and not getting a whole lot of info.





What is better, single mount to the axle... ie single bar or double mount to the axle... ie dual bar???





I was told single, but then I was talking to a few people and they said dual. Figure I'd ask the guys that are really using these things (on here) and find out.

Here's an option Nate. I'm still happy with the fit & finish.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126217

 

[BILLVO]

Here's an option Nate. I'm still happy with the fit & finish.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126217

That is the set I have also, and they work awesome. Also the most reasonably priced too. I am not a big fan of heim joints IMO. as the long term durability of daily driving in all conditions and high cost of them are not as feasable as polyeurathane bushings. If it was going to be a competition only rig then I would have gone that route. But not for a daily driver in dirty conditions. If one were to use greasable heims then it would be a different story. But the cost is out there.

 

[glhs]

Good pics. They look good. I think I need set for mine too.

 

[Nate]

Yeah heims do tend to wear out and clunk after a while. I may end up using a johnny joint or poly, etc.



The Tuff Country set looks ok, but IMO it seems to be cheaply made. Which I supposed should be expected for the price. (no offense to you guys running this... it's just my personal opinion, and not an attack on your suggestions).



I was figuring around $80-90 for Heims, $25 for tube adapters, and probably $80 for tubing. For the brackets, I've got a bunch of 1/4" sheet, so don't need to buy anything.







I'm working on an aux fuel tank this week and some bed rail guards. I'm going to wait until I have those 2 projects done before I start on the traction bars since I really don't need any more irons in the fire. Also have some work to do on my trailer and my Jeep... and... and...

 

[cahammer]

jw3 why do you say only 5' for the ladder bars for pulling

 

[jwilliams3]

What I am saying is dont exceed 5 feet of length if the bar is only 1. 5" OD.

 

[glhs]

How long if they are 2" diam. ?

 

[jwilliams3]

2" you could probably go up to 7 feet or so.





Glhs, what are you planning on doing with your truck?

 

[Nate]

What happens with 0. 25" wall tube that a person needs to use 3/8"???

 

[jwilliams3]

Nate,

You have to remember that BBD had to have the heaviest of everything because everyone of his pulls was as rough as an LA Earthquake!! :-laf

 

[Nate]

:-laf

That truck sure is mean... and lives up to it's name!