Traction bars & blocks, pics

cummins724

cummins724

BREAKING $HIT
Joined
Apr 16, 2007
Messages
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I have been building my blocks/traction bars this week in the evenings after work. I'll post pics as I progress, but here are pics of my suspension blocks mounted. Well, one of them anyways. Everything is ready to install, was gonna get pics, but my camera died. Here is what I got installed tonight.
View attachment 11079

View attachment 11080
 
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jlibert said:
looking good Jamie.
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Thanks, I broke off every bolt holding the factory bump stops & had to drill them out. I would have had more done, but time consuming. I'll get a pic of the other block before I install it, they are very sweet! You can't tell in the pictures.
 
Blackdog said:
Looks like a well thought out setup. Good job on them.
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Thanks. Very easy to build too, just need a piece of angle iron & 2 sizes of square tubing. The clearance is good & they are super strong. The adjustment is easy to do anywhere, quick pins with 3 different height adjustments fit for my truck.
 
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I could maybe snap some shots of mine, but Im building all new stuff for next year.

If anybody wants them just ask.

The bars are 7' long, the blocks are adjustable from 1" travel to 12" maxxes out.

This is on an 03 Extended cab short bed Duramax.

Ill have to try to rememebr this thread over the winter when I build my new stuff.
 
Anyone know how much tension to put on the traction bars? Tension should push rearward, correct?
 
Tension should be pushing the axle towards the rear. As for how much to put on??? Cant tell you I just put whatever I feel like putting on.

I know with caltracs you put an extra half a turn in for tension. But both times I pulled with them I hopped something fierce.
 
getblown5.9 said:
I have none on mine, no adjustment in them and they work great.
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I have them set at zero preload right now & just got back from a test drive, they are sweet! Sure made a difference on the bumpy back roads & Alot better turning corners. I should have done this a long time ago. If Fayette isn't cancelled for tonight, I'll give them a good breakin.
 
Durallymax said:
Tension should be pushing the axle towards the rear. As for how much to put on??? Cant tell you I just put whatever I feel like putting on.

I know with caltracs you put an extra half a turn in for tension. But both times I pulled with them I hopped something fierce.
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DevilDogDiesel said:
I have heard you do tend to hop with pre load. I dont have any and have never hopped.
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Good to know, thanks guys. Its raining here or I'd go get some more pics, they turned out great for a hillbilly with grandpas stick welder.
 
Just got the call, Fayette county pulls are cancelled, rescheduled for OCT. 4. I'm gonna try for Smithton hole tomorrow night, but weather isn't looking good.
 
Definitly no preload. Just snug them up. I have a buddy that put preload on his and the truck bent em like a pretzel. They were made out of 2"DOM with 1/2" wall.
 
I set mine at zero pre-load with the bags aired up. When the sled pulls down on the rear it loads the bars.
 
6.0superduty said:
Definitly no preload. Just snug them up. I have a buddy that put preload on his and the truck bent em like a pretzel. They were made out of 2"DOM with 1/2" wall.
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mech2161 said:
I set mine at zero pre-load with the bags aired up. When the sled pulls down on the rear it loads the bars.
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Thanks guys. Hey Kevin, get that thing fixed yet? I'm guessing Smithton is cancelled by how its raining here right now.
 
Well I needed the hook at Smithton to see if it was fixed. Yes they are canceled.
 
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