What Do Traction Bars Do?

The Short Answer: So, what do traction bars do? Simply put, traction bars are installed on a lifted truck to help maintain its stability, prevent wheel hop, and keep your ride smooth no matter how bumpy the road gets.

Axles, tires, suspensions, and trucks might seem a bit heavy for a casual read, or not if you are like us. However, you don't need to be a truck aficionado to understand this; we've broken it down for everyone. Whether you’re just curious or you're considering getting traction bars for your truck, this blog post is going to fill you in on everything you need to know. We will take a look at their benefits, different types & their uses, and even how they're installed. Let's jump right in.

Understanding the Purpose of Traction Bars

Reducing Axle Wrap & Wheel Hop

When talking about traction bars, axle wrap and wheel hop immediately come to mind. But what exactly is axle wrap? It's when the rotational force of your tires causes your rear axle to twist or "wrap." This twisting movement can lead to an oscillation or bouncing effect better known as wheel hop. It's as uncomfortable as it sounds, causing your truck to judder and jump instead of cruising smoothly on the road. 

Traction bars are the solution to this unwanted weight transfer and suspension travel. By cleverly controlling the position of the rear axle, traction bars significantly reduce the bounce, keeping the rear suspension from excessive movement. This results in a smoother, safer, and more controlled ride, improving the driving experience substantially. 

Maintaining the Crucial Pinion Angle

Beyond controlling axle wrap and wheel hop, traction bars hold another critical function – maintaining the pinion angle. Now you might be wondering, what's a pinion angle and how does it affect my truck? Let's define it first.

Definition: The pinion angle is the angle between the driveshaft and the pinion gear in the differential. If these two are not in alignment, it can lead to disruptive vibrations and a loss of power output to the wheels. In scenarios like lugging heavy loads or high torque on turns, maintaining the pinion angle is imperative as it can potentially cause costly damage to the driveline. 

Traction bars play a crucial role by ensuring this angle remains optimal – enhancing ride quality and extending the life of your tires, u-joints, and more. This makes traction bars not just a handy accessory, but a vital player in your truck’s health and performance.

Types of Traction Bars & Their Benefits

Traction bars come in different shapes and sizes, designed to fit a variety of trucks and serve specific purposes. Let's dive deeper into the world of traction bars. 

Slapper Bars

Slapper bars, also known as leaf spring traction bars, attach from the rear of the leaf spring to the frame of your vehicle. They have an ‘S’ shape, designed to make contact with the leaf springs under hard acceleration. As the rear springs try to wind up during a heavy load or high-torque situations, the bars "slap" the leaf springs back to their normal shape, minimizing axle wrap.

Ladder Bars

Ladder bars are a bit old-school, dating back to the early days of drag racing. They consist of 2 long bars, hence the name "ladder," that attach firmly to the rear axle and stretch forward to the frame, providing solid mounts. These bars resist torque on the rear axle, ensuring that the entire force from the engine goes straight into the tires for maximum traction. 

Long Traction Bars

Long traction bars extend from the rear axle to the chassis, providing maximum stability by reducing axle wrap and wheel hop, particularly in lifted trucks. These bars are ideal for heavy-duty applications where maintaining a proper pinion angle is crucial. These can be great for trucks with a high ground clearance and ride height.

DIY Traction Bars

For those who enjoy a hands-on approach, DIY traction bars are a cost-effective way to improve your vehicle's traction. Building your own traction bars allows you to customize the design to suit your specific needs. Typically, DIY traction bars can be made from steel tubing, brackets, and bushings, and are designed to reduce axle wrap and wheel hop. With the right tools and some mechanical know-how, DIY traction bars can be a great project for any car enthusiast looking to enhance their vehicle's performance on a budget.

The type of traction bar you choose depends primarily on your truck, how you use it, and what performance attributes you're looking for. All these types of traction bars are designed to do one thing: Improve your ride quality by eliminating wheel hop and maintaining pinion angle. 

How to Install Traction Bars 

Before jumping into installation, it's important to know the key components of your traction bars. This includes mounting points, brackets, and bushings. Mounting points are used to attach the bars to the vehicle securely. If this isn’t done correctly, the bar could break free under stress and damage your vehicle. Brackets are the structures connecting the bars to your axle and frame, allowing the bars to function effectively in stabilizing the rear suspension. Lastly, rubber bushings provide the flexibility needed in these joints while reducing noise and vibration.

Installing traction bars can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a simple step-by-step.

Step-By-Step Installation 

Step 1: Position your traction bars

Before bolting anything in, hold your traction bars up to the leaf spring (or the appropriate mounting points if not using leaf springs) to determine the best placement. Ensure the bar aligns correctly with the axle and frame for optimal performance.

Step 2: Mark the drilling points

Once you've found the best position, use a marker to indicate where you will need to drill holes for mounting the traction bars. Ensure these marks are precise and align with both the bar and the vehicle's structure.

Step 3: Drill the holes

Double-check the marked positions before drilling. Accuracy is crucial to ensure the bars are mounted securely. Use the appropriate drill bit size for the bolts you'll be using.

Step 4: Install the traction bars

Bolt the traction bars in place, ensuring that you're securing them to strong parts of the frame or axle. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque settings to prevent the bars from coming loose or causing damage under load.

Step 5: Repeat the process on the other side

Follow the same steps to install the traction bar on the opposite side of the vehicle. Ensure both bars are mounted symmetrically for balanced performance.

Note: It is typically best to let an expert or professional handle the installation.

Why Choose Far From Stock's Traction Bars?

If you're convinced about installing traction bars in your truck, you'll need direction on where to find the best ones, and that is where FarFromStock steps in.

Why choose us? We're not just selling parts for your truck; we're all about enhancing its performance. Specializing in superior aftermarket parts and accessories for off-road and diesel trucks, we are passionate about taking your truck to the next level. Our products don't just promise – they deliver. Crafted with high-quality materials, our traction bars are durable, reliable, and designed to improve your truck's performance substantially. So, if you want to upgrade your truck's performance and ride quality while imparting its superior stability, there’s no looking further than Far From Stock.