Does anyone here know how to set up traction bars for towing? I know the axle moves backwards as weight is applied, so I'm curious if I should unhook the bars, load the trailer, then hook em back up and set the pre-load on them........ Any advice is appreciated!

Axle better not be moving backwards when loaded down, if it is you gots issues young man. The axle needs to stay in the same position when loaded down no matter what, the traction bars keep it from twisting or in other wards it keeps the pinion pointed straight ahead and not aiming up or down when the springs wrap up under torque.

Yeah you shouldn't be getting and axel movement forward or reverse. Traction bars are designed to stop axel wrap like wild and free said your pinion will move with spring torsion.

The spring shackles are to the rear of the truck.... Thus as you add weight the axle moves backwards slightly. It's how the suspension works. I understand the traction bars are supposed to keep the axle from wrapping  . I built a set because I was getting bad wheel hop when the programmers were turned up and the tires would break loose. 

The axle will move to the rear what, MAYBE 1/10 of an inch? If it moves enough to cause problems with your traction bars I think you have other issues to deal with.

Dave3500.   you need to  see this video.    you said  in a post  somewhere  that your  driveshaft was   collapsed  all the way,  but it  still fit.    Here's a perfect    explanation on  why you need   a shorter  driveshaft!

 

 

If you have those bars  adjusted to  empty specs,     and  suddenly    put  a  butt load of  weight  in,    the  bars  are going to  twist  the  axle...   pinion  will be  pointed downwards.    It's  the  way  the  geometry works out here..

 

You most definitely  don't want  to  preload/bind a leaf spring  when  it's  carrying a load!

 

 

I'd  disconnect them  for  those type of   duties.   (faster than  re adjusting them????)  

Edited August 24, 201410 yr by rancherman

The axle will move to the rear what, MAYBE 1/10 of an inch? If it moves enough to cause problems with your traction bars I think you have other issues to deal with.

Interesting.... I'm going to have to do some measuring now to see what the actual numbers are!

 

Dave3500.   you need to  see this video.    you said  in a post  somewhere  that your  driveshaft was   collapsed  all the way,  but it  still fit.    Here's a perfect    explanation on  why you need   a shorter  driveshaft!

 

 

If you have those bars  adjusted to  empty specs,     and  suddenly    put  a  butt load of  weight  in,    the  bars  are going to  twist  the  axle...   pinion  will be  pointed downwards.    It's  the  way  the  geometry works out here..

 

You most definitely  don't want  to  preload/bind a leaf spring  when  it's  carrying a load!

 

 

I'd  disconnect them  for  those type of   duties.   (faster than  re adjusting them????)  

Good thinking. Next time I load it down I will disconnect the bars to see which way the tension would have been on the bars. 

Anyone interested in a write up on these? 

Anyone interested in a write up on these? 

 

Sure... If you don't have account on the article database let me know I'll get you set up...