I used to run these at the track only, due to the increased harshness, and bouncy rear end that they gave me on the street. I later learned that since they were preloaded, that they reduced the suspensions movement, thus causing the bouncy ride. I noticed on old slapper bars, that under normal driving, they did not engage and gave normal ride characteristics, but get on the gas, the axle twists and makes the slappers press up on the leaf giving better traction. So on mine I preloaded them to 0, then backed them off half a turn, and whamo, they then gave stock ride and handling, but when I mash it, the axle turns enough to make the traction bars work, and I have even better traction than before, due to weight transfer, and the rear sucking down a bit more. When moderately getting on it, me rear tires will spin a little, but flooring it, the truck grabs, and launches hard, even out of 90 degree corners. These things are really worth their weight!

I don't know why it took me 6 months to figure this out, but for you guys with traction problems, the Caltracs are much better than I thought, and I can't recommend them enough.

 

Hmmm, I might just have to get some afterall then
Thanks for the new review

 

I thought Cal tracs were only good if you were having wheel hop issues. With my Hotchkis springs and rear sway, I have never had problems with wheel hop but traction is another story. I am guessing they fit ok with the Hotchkis springs? I know people with 4" in the rear with hangers have issues with them.

 

I think you have to mention the Hotchkis springs when you order so you can get a different bushing. Other than that I don't think there is a problem with them.

 

also there a differant lenght with the hotchkis, not by much but enough from bars meant for a stock spring.


Good review Hodgee.

Caltracs helped me with the weight Transfer and leaning off the line with my rip roaring 5.3...

 

Anyone know if CT's will work with a 4/6 drop? My leaves are flipped under the axle.

 

Do you think you are gonna leave it just like that or tweak it more?

 

With a flip kit I don't think that they can be bolted on, since you have changed your axle location from the bottom to top, so the, arms that come with the CTs will not have enough angle to push on the leaf springs, but you can call and ask. I had wheel hop issues at the track, but not on the street, and I have always been traction limited, until I got these. Now as long as the road is dry, and I floor it, It just pushes the truck with no wheelspin, where before I used to get 30' of black marks. Yes I do have a little more weight in the back with the hide a hitch and rear cover, but until I set these caltracs the way that I have them now, I used to peel out like crazy.

 

hodge if i am not mistaken in the instructions (i am not being a smart ***) it said dont run with preload on the street. but those damn instructions were confusing. any ways i have always ran mine were the very tip of my pinky will barely rit between the bolt an leaf. i only played with them once but am fixing to put them to the test.

 

just wonedering but can you put the cal tracs on if you have sway bars? i was thinking about getting the hotchkis sway bars and if i still have issues with traction then i'll get the CT's.