What do traction bars do to the car?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Positively Ralf, Jul 17, 2009.

  1. Positively Ralf

    Positively Ralf Here and There

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    Was researching sway bars and leaf springs from local parts stores and junk area. Then traction bars comes up and I'm curious to know what they do. So far thhey look like a rear suspension item.
     
    Positively Ralf, Jul 17, 2009
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  2. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    they help you get more traction when you launch your car from a stop. there are several different styles but they all work fundimentaly the same. when you stomp on the gas from a stop the rear end housing trys to rotate up around the tires. this causes the leaf springs to wrap up and unload the weight on the tires causing them to be able to brake loose. the traction bars stop the leaf springs from wraping up and will cause the weight of the car to push down on the tires.
     
    Bryant, Jul 17, 2009
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  3. Positively Ralf

    Positively Ralf Here and There

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    so that sounds like something that a weekend and daily driver would not need then. sounds more like a racing item. thanks for the info.
     
    Positively Ralf, Jul 17, 2009
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  4. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    yep its racing thing.
     
    Bryant, Jul 17, 2009
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  5. darren

    darren Member

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    They look retro and cool. Who cares what they do??:):):):)
    Just kiddin.
    They stop axle hop that will rattle your teeth out.
     
    darren, Jul 17, 2009
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  6. Mercurycruizers

    Mercurycruizers David (Coop) Cooper

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    Yep! Have them on my daily driver. They look awesome! I just have to put my foot in it, once in a while....LOL
     
    Mercurycruizers, Jul 17, 2009
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  7. PAINTANK

    PAINTANK Cometosis Obsessivus

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    I like them red or yellow with a sticker on them.
     
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  8. Earl Branham

    Earl Branham Certified Old Fart

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    Mine are painted flat black. Trying to hide them. I think they look a bit tacky, but they work great! :huh:
     
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  9. 1973Maverick357

    1973Maverick357 Cooler then a Camaro

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  10. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    I have a set on my blue mav(Lakewoods)They are great for helping your car hook up.They do take a toll on leaf springs though,and make the ride a bit firmer.For a street car with good springs on it...It wouldnt hurt to have em on your ride.
    Whatever you do...make sure the rubber snubber on the front end of the traction bar is directly under the front spring eye,if not it will cause the springs to wrap up anyways and it will shorten the life of the leafs dramatically.(I had to cut and lengthen mine to set them properly by 2" )
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2009
    Mavman72, Jul 17, 2009
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  11. scooper77515

    scooper77515 No current projects.

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    I have a set of CalTracs on mine. They are a bit stiff on speedbumps, but the rest of the time, they force the car to lift at the front when I gun it at the red light.

    Not needed, but definitely a bonus when that '88 camaro pulls up beside you wanting to "race"...
     
    scooper77515, Jul 17, 2009
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