CAL TRAC OR LADDER BARS

[JJAB]

I do not know if you guys caught the latest episode GEARZ with Stacy David, but he took a leaf springed Dodge stepside and upgraded the rear suspension. He retained the leaf springs, added a ladder bar set up which he explained would provide the truck with tremendous traction and almost 100% reduced spring wrap/binding of the leaf springs. This episode really caught my attention

Now the question is, compared to a set CAL TRAC bars, which suspension upgrade is better between the two?

[VileZambonie]

OK First, keep in mind Stacey and any of those other guys will tell you whatever the sponsor is selling is the best thing since peanut butter met chocolate but you have to decide what's right for your application. Tell us more about your ride first...

[JJAB]

Yes you are correct. I have a 1980 Chevy SWB 1/2 ton. It is powered by a 10:8 to 1 Compression aluminum headed 383 stroker, with a 3:73 to 1 geared posi 12 bolt. I have a proform 750 double pumper fed by a holley mechanical fuel pump. The truck has been lowered in the front 2 inches and 4 inches in the rear.

The truck will be primarily driven on the street or at least that is what it was built for.  I am not a suspension specialist, so in doing some research, I was told that a four link is not everyday driver friendly, which is why I did not go with the four link set up. Up until I viewed the Gearz segment, my plans were to add the Cal Trac bars  and be happy. What do you think?

[Chevalade]

Caltracs are proven. They work even better with their split monoleaves.

[VileZambonie]

How did you lower the rear? http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=7&Category_Code=7387SUSP

[JJAB]

I used loering springs in the fron and shackle and hanger in the rear.

[team39763]

Caltracs can be adjusted pretty easily and according to the directions and everything else I've read, it doesn't take an expert to set them up correctly.  Those ladder bars seemed a little complicated as far as the proper install/setup.  If I remember correctly, he didn't pay too much attention to the details since it wasn't a race vehicle.  I've read that ladder bars can be a pain to tune and are kinda rough when driven on the street.

[JJAB]

From what I have read, researched and been told, I would have to agree. When I seen that episode, with him retaining the leaf srprings with ladder bars, it was a first and it was different than the norm. I just thought I would get more experienced advice on the subject here on the site. The Cal-trac bars would be best for my application. Thanks for all of the info guys.

[Captkaos]

Caltracs in my opinion.