Traction bars?

[cmont58]

I know this subject has been beat to death*bdh* but I'm wondering if anyone has used chromoly tubing for there bars. Thoughts are you would be able to use a thinner lighter tubing and maintain the same strength. I've searched but have not found anyone doing this. Opinions please.

 

[jlibert]

It's been done. Are you drag racing? How long of a bar are you thinking about running?

 

[cmont58]

The truck is my DD but sees the drag strip a good bit and maybe a couple pulls this year. Bars will be about 60" long.

 

[zfaylor]

I know its annoying when people suggest something entirely different but any reason you couldn't buy or build some cal tracs? They are great for dragging, great for a DD and you don't seem to be into pulling all that much. Plus they are light.

 

[cmont58]

Thought about doing cal tracs but, even though it sounds dumb I like the looks of a nicely done set of traction bars better.

 

[zfaylor]

Nah man it doesn't sound dumb. It is your truck and your money so do whatever necessary to make yourself happy with the end product.

 

[cmont58]

So is it worth it in weight reduction to use chromoly or just use a thicker wall steel pipe?

 

[jlibert]

I used chromoly for my drag link, tie rod, track bar, and control arms. I'd say it's worth it. There are a couple guys on here that could help you calculate the size material you'd need -- hopefully they can chime in. If i had to throw out a guess, i'd say you could get away with 2" o.d. .120 wall 4130N.