Traction bars....

[roachcoach]

Thanks guys, a puller that we talked to also said that the length from the hitch to the axle could be a big cause of bouncing, just like NIsaacs said. Cereberusiam, I agree, that was a horrible idea and I really hope that never happens to me. haha

 

[roachcoach]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv1Y0mJu-DM

He pulls at 1:11. That is a sweet looking Ford. I love to hear those gassers screamin' down the track.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Lots at work there, on your rig, RC. First off, you got a short wheelbase... . then, you probably got the spring stops bolted down tight, which, when combined with the ladder bars, is basically lifting your truck from the frame directly in front of the axle. Lengthening the ladder bars would help some, and then maybe backing your spring stops off or getting rid of them. The hitch is probably aiding in the sled overpowering the ladders, too, as I'd wager it's behind the end of the frame several inches... . @ 10"? A factory hitch is about even with the end of the frame. Move that hitch under the truck, and you'd see a little less leverage, and a marked improvement in your pulls. Shorten the sled's cheater pipe, to explain it easiest. When we load a tractor for pulling in the field on plows, we shoot for a 70/30 loading, before the plow begins tilling. Under power and tillage, ideal power transfer is distributed 50/50..... ideally... .

 

[roachcoach]

HH, there is a lot wrong with my truck when it comes to being the optimum puller. haha

 

[HHhuntitall]

OH!! HECK NO!!! I wouldn't say that, at all!! Those chassis have a lot of potential. I was offereing suggestions to help (I hope!!). I like to be able to "do it all" in my rigs, although I know that's really not that plausible. I do really like to have a great all around truck, though. I only hoped to exlplain what a few of your problems "might" be. Experimentation is the best way to learn, although, if possible, learn from other's mistakes. I try hard to do that, and it's worked well for me..... Only my advice I offered. If you lived closer, I'd offer a shop and fab equipment... . (although, looking at what you've done so far, I'd say you don't need much other than time to work it out!!)

 

[roachcoach]

Yeah, I don't normally need to use shop equipment, except the occasional 'bigger' mig welder or a large band saw. I would love if this thing would just flatten out and do what I want it to. But, it's more of a work truck than anything so I'm not going to get real crazy about working to make it a pro puller. haha I extremely appreciate all your help, you know more about anything that goes on around here than I ever will and I will never deny any of your help!! Thanks everybody for your help.

 

[Randomrunner12]

How about noise for those of you with traction bars?

I installed mine and now I hear what I think is either the driveshaft spinning coming into the cab or the axles?

Not really sure how to explain it but I can Definitely hear something spinning louder with the traction bars on than off just wondering if it's normal?

How much preload do you guys put on your bars? I can't turn my by hand when they are bolted to the truck so I used a rag and pipe wrench to turn them out about an inch.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Holy thread from the past!

 

[Randomrunner12]

Lol some times you just gotta try lol.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Holy thread from the past!

HAHAHA!!! No joke! But a good thread topic, I think.... Random, I'd wager the noise you're hearing is harmonics from the rear end ring and pinion gear rollover being transferred through the bars to the frame. It's like having a steel motor mount. Or like when you replace the dual mass flywheel in a newer truck with a G56, and you hear a lot more noise in the cab.... Even the tire and road noise will be louder in the cab, as you're transferring any noise associated with the rear end to the frame through a solid, undampened conductor (your ladder bars). You just need a louder exhaust or more boost noise from your turbo to cover it up....

 

[Randomrunner12]

I know this is a 1st Gen forum but it was a good read so I started posting and asking.

Thank you HHuntitall for that explanation, it helped confirm my suspicion. I'm thinking of pulling the bars and adding some rubber washers between the heim joints and brackets.

As for the extra turbo noise and louder exhaust, I'm already running a 2nd gen swap kit, full 5" tbe to 7" tip all straight no mufflers so it's plenty loud. I just hear the added sounds when cruising in the city around 40-45 with no radio. My favorite is the extra dash buzzing from the exhaust lol.