Building traction bars.. Cat 1 or Stainless Heims - Page 2 - Competition Diesel.Com

SuperDave4x4 · 05-10-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schrowang

i'd go longer, and the thread locking tabs. pitch them and get real nuts. the reverse threaded ones are kinda pricey but essential.

The ones I linked aren't left and right hand threaded?

oldestof11 · 05-10-2013, 01:11 PM

I would also look into adding a grease zerk where it is threaded into the pipe. They like to seize up and some occasional grease might help

Schrowang · 05-10-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDave4x4

The ones I linked aren't left and right hand threaded?

they are, the right hand thread nut is cheap but the left handed ones are about $10 each from fastenal iirc. you need the nuts on both ends to jam the threads.

chevota84 · 05-10-2013, 02:46 PM

Why? If you lock one end it can't turn, the other nut would just be insurance.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

Schrowang · 05-10-2013, 02:55 PM

way back when i built mine i was told it keeps the threads from ripping out of the bars.

SuperDave4x4 · 05-10-2013, 03:28 PM

Would a 7/8" rod end be strong enough?

Something along the lines of what I've linked below, but I'm not sure I would need the high misalignment spacers though.

7/8 x 3/4 Rod End Set - RuffStuff Specialties

Ghostman · 05-10-2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevota84

Why? If you lock one end it can't turn, the other nut would just be insurance.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

There is slack in the threads, when you lock the nut down it keeps it from wobbling around and wollering out the threads.

CSnyder · 05-10-2013, 08:24 PM

Ballistic Fabrication - Manufacturers of Precision Offroad Fabrication Supplies

WhitetailAddict · 05-10-2013, 08:30 PM

My bars have QA1 heims on them. I trust the fine thread, with a lock nut, on them as an attachment to the bar versus the course thread of the top link.

SuperDave4x4 · 05-10-2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSnyder

Ballistic Fabrication - Manufacturers of Precision Offroad Fabrication Supplies

Called them today. They recommended the Midwest rod ends since I was trying to keep these fairly inexpensive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhitetailAddict

My bars have QA1 heims on them. I trust the fine thread, with a lock nut, on them as an attachment to the bar versus the course thread of the top link.

Looks like I may go with the 7/8" kit I posted earlier. Probably going to order a (2) 6' pieces of DOM 2" OD 1/4" wall. I'm debating on what my overall length will be. If I have a 65" bar and the suspension cycles up(or down) 6" then the traction bar at the axle end would push back 1/4". Which isn't that bad but if it could compress a full 12" then it would be pushed back around a inch and an eighth. Either way you look at it these traction bars do bind the suspension but since this isn't a offroad toy I should be ok.

WhitetailAddict · 05-10-2013, 09:11 PM

Those 7/8" heims look similar to what is on my traction bars. It sounds like you're using the same DOM tubing as well.

One thing I would say is get one of the threaded bungs that you can put a wrench on (I think hexagonal is the technical term but it escapes me at the moment), it makes adjusting the preload a lot easier.

cfunk · 05-10-2013, 09:33 PM

It is tough to beat the price of these bars that they sell as four link parts:

4-Link Round Adj. Bar with Poly Bushings | thorbros.com

The urethane bushings work great for on the street. They will make you any length you need if you call them. They also have nice laser cut tabs for welding onto the frame and axles for a decent price. If you really want to do it yourself you can also buy just the threaded tube or the threaded ends as well.

SuperDave4x4 · 05-11-2013, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDave4x4

Would a 7/8" rod end be strong enough?

Something along the lines of what I've linked below, but I'm not sure I would need the high misalignment spacers though.

7/8 x 3/4 Rod End Set - RuffStuff Specialties

Does anyone feel the need to have the high misalignment spacers?

Ballisticfab has a sale today and I'd like to go ahead and get this stuff ordered, but wanna make sure I have everything I need.

EDIT: The sale is 15%. It looks like I' could save 40 bucks.

Ghostman · 05-11-2013, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDave4x4

Does anyone feel the need to have the high misalignment spacers?

Ballisticfab has a sale today and I'd like to go ahead and get this stuff ordered, but wanna make sure I have everything I need.

EDIT: The sale is 15%. It looks like I' could save 40 bucks.

I would suggest getting them

SuperDave4x4 · 05-11-2013, 09:26 AM

Here we go... comes out to just a hair under $390 shipped.

EDIT: That includes the $53 mothers day discount..

303 SS High Misalignment Spacer for 3/4" to 5/8" $4.99 $39.92

7/8" -14 tpi Tube Adapter RH
Tube Inner & Outer Diameters: Size 7: 1.5 in ID - 2.0 in OD - $3.00
Thread Hand: Left Hand Thread $11.99 $23.98

7/8" -14 tpi Tube Adapter LH
Tube Inner & Outer Diameters: Size 7: 1.5 in ID - 2.0 in OD - $3.00
Thread Hand: Right Hand Thread $11.99 $23.98

7/8" -14 tpi Jam Nut
Thread Hand: Left Hand Thread $2.99 $5.98

7/8" -14 tpi Jam Nut
Thread Hand: Right Hand Thread $2.99 $5.98

1.5" ID - 2.0" OD .250" wall DOM
Length: 6 feet - $80.75 $94.25 $188.50

MXM-14-12 Midwest Control Chromoly 7/8" Rod End with 3/4" bore
Thread Hand: Left Hand Thread $16.99 $33.98

MXM-14-12 Midwest Control Chromoly 7/8" Rod End with 3/4" bore
Thread Hand: Right Hand Thread

WhitetailAddict · 05-11-2013, 11:39 AM

What are you going to do for frame and axle brackets?

not enoughsmoke · 05-11-2013, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDave4x4

Yeah, a while back, but "heard" they are noisey when hitting bumps and what not.

They are not noisy. I have them and love them.

SuperDave4x4 · 05-11-2013, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhitetailAddict

What are you going to do for frame and axle brackets?

Make them.

Supershafts · 05-11-2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDave4x4

it would be pushed back around a inch and an eighth. Either way you look at it these traction bars do bind the suspension but since this isn't a offroad toy I should be ok.

If you put it on a swinging mount at the front it won't bind the suspension

scat · 05-11-2013, 09:15 PM

7/8 x 3/4 Rod End Set - RuffStuff Specialties You can buy the tubing fairly cheap at a steel warehouse. Use the same joints on mine and not a single issue. Or you can over pay with Ballistic and have them never ship their parts becuase they are on "backorder" for 9 months... My little rant lol

05-10-2013, 01:11 PM	#22
oldestof11 Name: oldestof11 Title: Drag racer Status: Not Here Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dixon, IL Member`s Gallery Posts: 9,084	I would also look into adding a grease zerk where it is threaded into the pipe. They like to seize up and some occasional grease might help __________________ Jon

05-10-2013, 02:46 PM	#24
chevota84 Name: chevota84 Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Prineville, OR Member`s Gallery Posts: 4,926	Why? If you lock one end it can't turn, the other nut would just be insurance. Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2 __________________ 99 Dodge 2500 with stuff

05-10-2013, 02:55 PM	#25
Schrowang Name: Schrowang Title: Schroowwwaaaannnnnggggggg Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2011 Location: China, illinois Member`s Gallery Posts: 5,897	way back when i built mine i was told it keeps the threads from ripping out of the bars. __________________ BRAD 16 F350 platinum

05-10-2013, 03:28 PM	#26
SuperDave4x4 Name: SuperDave4x4 Title: popcorn playa Status: Not Here Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Luling, Louisiana Member`s Gallery Posts: 3,416	Would a 7/8" rod end be strong enough? Something along the lines of what I've linked below, but I'm not sure I would need the high misalignment spacers though. 7/8 x 3/4 Rod End Set - RuffStuff Specialties __________________ 2020 Ram 2500 CCLB 4x4 (Sold)1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 24v CTD Ext. Cab- 01' motor w/ orings, .020 gasket, Garmon/SunCoast, Drag comp, 150hp EDMs, 57/72 twins, AD150, 20" Hoss, Proxes STII, Thuren/Carli, etc Member #41

05-10-2013, 08:24 PM	#28
CSnyder Name: CSnyder Title: Snyder-Motorsports Status: Not Here Join Date: Mar 2008 Member`s Gallery Posts: 6,278	Ballistic Fabrication - Manufacturers of Precision Offroad Fabrication Supplies __________________ Alot of my life is easier thanks to Mumau Diesel! and Goerend Transmission There is a HUGE difference between cocky and confident when it comes to engine building.

05-10-2013, 08:30 PM	#29
WhitetailAddict Name: WhitetailAddict Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2009 Location: On the water Member`s Gallery Posts: 1,145	My bars have QA1 heims on them. I trust the fine thread, with a lock nut, on them as an attachment to the bar versus the course thread of the top link. __________________ '12 Duramax '03 Duramax

05-10-2013, 09:11 PM	#31
WhitetailAddict Name: WhitetailAddict Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2009 Location: On the water Member`s Gallery Posts: 1,145	Those 7/8" heims look similar to what is on my traction bars. It sounds like you're using the same DOM tubing as well. One thing I would say is get one of the threaded bungs that you can put a wrench on (I think hexagonal is the technical term but it escapes me at the moment), it makes adjusting the preload a lot easier. __________________ '12 Duramax '03 Duramax

05-10-2013, 09:33 PM	#32
cfunk Name: cfunk Title: Green Behind the Ears Status: Not Here Join Date: Sep 2012 Member`s Gallery Posts: 98	It is tough to beat the price of these bars that they sell as four link parts: 4-Link Round Adj. Bar with Poly Bushings \| thorbros.com The urethane bushings work great for on the street. They will make you any length you need if you call them. They also have nice laser cut tabs for welding onto the frame and axles for a decent price. If you really want to do it yourself you can also buy just the threaded tube or the threaded ends as well.

05-11-2013, 09:26 AM	#35
SuperDave4x4 Name: SuperDave4x4 Title: popcorn playa Status: Not Here Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Luling, Louisiana Member`s Gallery Posts: 3,416	Here we go... comes out to just a hair under $390 shipped. EDIT: That includes the $53 mothers day discount.. 303 SS High Misalignment Spacer for 3/4" to 5/8" $4.99 $39.92 7/8" -14 tpi Tube Adapter RH Tube Inner & Outer Diameters: Size 7: 1.5 in ID - 2.0 in OD - $3.00 Thread Hand: Left Hand Thread $11.99 $23.98 7/8" -14 tpi Tube Adapter LH Tube Inner & Outer Diameters: Size 7: 1.5 in ID - 2.0 in OD - $3.00 Thread Hand: Right Hand Thread $11.99 $23.98 7/8" -14 tpi Jam Nut Thread Hand: Left Hand Thread $2.99 $5.98 7/8" -14 tpi Jam Nut Thread Hand: Right Hand Thread $2.99 $5.98 1.5" ID - 2.0" OD .250" wall DOM Length: 6 feet - $80.75 $94.25 $188.50 MXM-14-12 Midwest Control Chromoly 7/8" Rod End with 3/4" bore Thread Hand: Left Hand Thread $16.99 $33.98 MXM-14-12 Midwest Control Chromoly 7/8" Rod End with 3/4" bore Thread Hand: Right Hand Thread __________________ 2020 Ram 2500 CCLB 4x4 (Sold)1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 24v CTD Ext. Cab- 01' motor w/ orings, .020 gasket, Garmon/SunCoast, Drag comp, 150hp EDMs, 57/72 twins, AD150, 20" Hoss, Proxes STII, Thuren/Carli, etc Member #41 Last edited by SuperDave4x4; 05-11-2013 at 09:27 AM.

05-11-2013, 11:39 AM	#36
WhitetailAddict Name: WhitetailAddict Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: May 2009 Location: On the water Member`s Gallery Posts: 1,145	What are you going to do for frame and axle brackets? __________________ '12 Duramax '03 Duramax

05-11-2013, 09:15 PM	#40
scat Name: scat Title: . Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Wisconsin Member`s Gallery Posts: 1,212	7/8 x 3/4 Rod End Set - RuffStuff Specialties You can buy the tubing fairly cheap at a steel warehouse. Use the same joints on mine and not a single issue. Or you can over pay with Ballistic and have them never ship their parts becuase they are on "backorder" for 9 months... My little rant lol __________________ Iowa Personal Injury Attorney Decorah Head Neck Brain Shoulder Accident Product Premise Liability Lawyer Winneshiek Last edited by scat; 05-11-2013 at 09:16 PM.