Wisdom of the list- Traction Bars

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Wisdom of the list- Traction Bars

Dyn Blin
Looking for for the benefit of opinions and others' experience:

As I was rebuilding the rear brakes this weekend I noted the traction bar on the driver's side was broken at the fore-end.  These have been on the truck since I brought her home.  They look similar to the over-axle design to the Tuff Country offering.

The light coating of oxidation on the broken surface makes it seem I've been driving it like this for a few months since I last rotated the tires.  I haven't noticed a change in the ride.  At ~$150 to replace them, I can think of other items that could also use the capital outlay.

To the question:  What do others have to say about the utility/necessity of traction bars?

My truck is not lifted, and the tires are a relatively tame 31x10.5.  It runs empty most of the week and hauls on the weekends.

Thanks for the bandwidth.




Sonoma County,CA
1982 F150 Flareside XLS
NP435 4x4
351W Motorcraft 2150

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Re: Wisdom of the list- Traction Bars

Gary Lewis
Administrator
None of my trucks have traction bars.  Nor do I think I need them - yet.

My understanding is the traction bars are there to limit the wind-up of the rear axle, which frequently causes loss of traction and/or wheel-hop.  But that's not been a problem for me and I doubt it would be for you.

Having said that, with 400 HP on tap on Dad's truck who knows?!?!  
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: Wisdom of the list- Traction Bars

85lebaront2
Administrator
My 1966 GT350 had the under ride Traction Master bars. I definitely didn't have any wheel hop with that car. None of my trucks have needed them and all have had more than enough power to light the rear tires.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: Wisdom of the list- Traction Bars

Angelo Voltura
The over axle style bars are god awful and will break things.

You would be better suited with something like Lakewoods traction bars for trucks, Caltracs or even frame tied ones with heim joints.
1978 F150 351W
1979 F150 "410M"
1979 F100 302
1979 F250 400
1987 F150 300
1990 F150 302
1991 F150 300
1995 F150 (1985 clip swapped) 300
1997 F250 351W
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Re: Wisdom of the list- Traction Bars

85lebaront2
Administrator
The 1965 and first run of 1966 Shelby GT350s had override traction bars. The only reason given for the change was sealing them where they came through the floor. The fact that the 1966 models kept the stock rear seat may have also been a factor.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: Wisdom of the list- Traction Bars

PetesPonies
It was more work ( costly )to install the over rides. The under rides did well enough.
Pete's Ponies
Mustang RUSToration & Performance

1982 F100 Flareside
1983 Bronco