Caltracs Traction Bars

[grinder1989]

How do they work?  Are they really worth it?  I'm considering them for my truck because I'll be taking it to the strip this spring.

[VileZambonie]

Yes if you're taking it to the track and have a leaf spring suspension. I was going to do a link suspension in my 74 but for now am going to use them myself.

[grinder1989]

Yea I have leaf springs.  How exactly do they work though?

[VileZambonie]

Tremendous benefits can be realized when the CALTRACS traction bar system is installed on a leaf spring suspended automobile. CALTRACS traction bars were developed to achieve specific goals to improve high power traction while staying within hard set NHRA parameters.

Each of the two assemblies needed is comprised of three basic components:

1.Front Pivot

2.Force Transfer Link

3.Rear Mount

The combination of these components changes the pushing point on the car by redirecting the turning action (spring wrap-up) of the rear axle through the Force Transfer Link into the Front Pivot. The Front Pivot Spring Stop Bolt resists this turning motion and also controls the bending of the leaf spring at its thinnest section. The push into the Front Pivot helps the cars weight shift towards the rear of the car because of a new directed angle of force toward the front of the vehicle. (The "Instant Center" moves farther forward). This is where the system emulates a Four link system. The pinion angle is also maintained.

1. The Front Pivot

Two steel plates sandwich the leaf spring sides. Two attach points in the plates provide the user with a selection in which the forward Force Transfer Link rod end can be located. A machined aluminum spring eye bushing and steel insert supports the front of the spring while allowing the plates to pivot. A spring stop bolt controls and restricts spring wrap-up. Spacers are provided for different vehicle applications that control clearances in the front spring eye pocket.

2. Force Transfer Link

This is a length of chromolly tubing with CNC machined threaded inserts TIG welded into each end. The front Insert is machined with right hand Threads and a HEX outer shape for Simple wrench adjustment of the Installed assembly. The rear insert is Left hand threaded. Opposite thread Styles at each end provide the means to easily lengthen or shorten the link for desired pre-load adjustment.

3. Rear Mount

A welded ĵ" steel assembly replaces the original vehicles spring perch and incorporates the mounting provisions for the rear rod end of the Force Transfer Link.

Rear Shocks for Cal Trac/Mono Leaf equipped Suspensions

Racers looking to optimize their Cal Trac set-ups with mono leaf springs should consider purchase of the Rancho RS9000X adjustable shock absorber with 9 position adjustment technology.

Cal Trac recommends Rancho Shocks based on development testing and racer feedback and consider the Rancho to be the best shock for their suspension set-up. The patented 9 position adjustment feature provides just the right proportion of extension to compression travel providing the proper shock control based on setting to track condition..

Typically a setting between 5 & 9 would be suitable for a hooking track providing more restriction to extension movement. A setting between 5 & 2 would be required on a slippery track providing less restriction to movement during launch.

[grinder1989]

Nifty.  I'm going to get a set for sure.  Thanks.

[HAULIN IT]

Yes, They work well...You can buy them from the Capt. He's a distributor for them. Lorne

[VileZambonie]

http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=7&Category_Code=7387SUSP

[grinder1989]

Yea I saw them on there that's what I was asking.  I want the non flip ones right?

[HAULIN IT]

This would depend on if your rear axle has been "flipped" to on top of the springs to lower the truck. If your rear axle is still below the springs (the way it was made) then you would want the non-flip ones. Lorne

[grinder1989]

Is there a benefit to flipping it?  It seems like an easy thing to do?  Should I flip it or not?

Thanks for the help guys, you are all so helpful.   

[choptop]

The axle flip is used for lowering the truck. I believe just a standard flip drops it about 5-6 inches, but not sure

[grinder1989]

The axle flip is used for lowering the truck. I believe just a standard flip drops it about 5-6 inches, but not sure

It's pretty easy to do right?  Combined with drop spindles, that would look sick...

[choptop]

I havent done it yet, but I believe it requires cutting the old spring perches off and welding new ones to the bottom of the axle. Shouldnt be hard if you have a welder.

[VileZambonie]

My axle on my 74 is flipped and there is no welding required although you can if you want too.

[grinder1989]

My axle on my 74 is flipped and there is no welding required although you can if you want too.

Details? Pics?  I'd like to do it.  Do you hit the frame over bumps?  Is there still a lot of tire clearance?