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How to: Make traction bars

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Old 07-27-2013, 08:09 PM
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formerly 2000blackcamaross (6-25-2013)
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Default How to: Make traction bars

I made these for my S10 but the same can be done for a fullsize. I have two buddies that have this same set-up on their Cummins with tons of luck.

Here is what I started with.
3 Point hitch Top link for a tractor (2)
Rectangle tubing
Square tubing (I used this so I could turn/load the bar)
Flat steel
3/4" bolts (4)
Longer U-bolts for the rear axle (I was swapping my axle so I had them made longer)


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Then I cut the top link in half.

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I cut part of some square tubing so I could use them to adjust the traction bars.
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Then welded them in the middle (just spot welded)

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I took the top link and screwed it all the way in and then drilled holes to fill weld to make the ends stronger on the rod. Right now I am just spot welding everything and I will weld all around the ends.
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The rear mount without a hole for the bolt
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Front mount without the hole
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The square tube welded on so I can pre-load and adjust the springs
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Some mock up pics
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Lowest point of the bar in front of the rear wheel
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The height of the front mount
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Continued....

Last edited by LSGUNSS; 07-27-2013 at 08:14 PM.
Old 07-27-2013, 08:13 PM
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formerly 2000blackcamaross (6-25-2013)
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I measured from center bolt to center bolt.
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Finished look
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Old 07-27-2013, 10:21 PM
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So this setup is bolted to the frame and not the front leaf bolt? I guess as long as it prevents axle wrap its good correct?
Old 07-28-2013, 12:12 AM
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nice setup. does any company make long bars for 99-06 1500 anyways? i know they make them for fords.

s10 looks badass. always wanted to do a s10 like that but it becomes pita with a turbo and whatnot in that engine bay.
Old 07-28-2013, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by RS/SS 4.8
So this setup is bolted to the frame and not the front leaf bolt? I guess as long as it prevents axle wrap its good correct?
This setup bolts to the bottom of the axel with the U-bolt and then attaches to the frame in the front. I have zero axel wrap, zero wheel hop and these make this thing plant the rear.
Old 07-28-2013, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Blackbird-WS6
nice setup. does any company make long bars for 99-06 1500 anyways? i know they make them for fords.
I don't know for sure. They do make the caltrac bars for them but i wanted something that did the same but pulled up on the front while pushing down on the rear. I do know that a company make these for the 1500 but they do for the duramax trucks.
Old 07-28-2013, 04:01 PM
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yea the fords use this setup and it works very very well. idk why someone doesnt make a set for GM trucks. they would make a killing.

im ify with caltrac. iv seen them bend and or break or not help as much as they should. i rather have a long bar setup like pictured above.
Old 07-28-2013, 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Blackbird-WS6
yea the fords use this setup and it works very very well. idk why someone doesnt make a set for GM trucks. they would make a killing.

im ify with caltrac. iv seen them bend and or break or not help as much as they should. i rather have a long bar setup like pictured above.
I know people have success with them but I have also read about how they bend the mono-leaf springs on S10's. On top of that they still don't transfer weight like I want them to. So far I couldn't be happier with them. I will post up some videos with them shortly. If I get a GoPro I will try to get a video of them up close holding the rear from turning.
Old 07-28-2013, 05:17 PM
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Is there a certain length and or angle to shoot for on the bar?
Old 07-28-2013, 05:29 PM
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Good write up!


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