Solutions for axle wrap

[1965c1O]

1965 c-10 with a 70's rear end.

To drop it, the original owner removed some leaf springs and the 3 on each side are pretty "bouncy".

When stepping on the gas medium to hard, I get axle wrap - and I can see the u joints are slightly bent.

What are some on the budget solutions for this?

Are traction bars the best way to go?

Is there a way to find used traction bars?

Any other ideas?

Also, does this mean I loose a lot of power in most conditions or only on a hard take off?



Thank you.

[special-K]

I've used something like these shown. They mount over or under the leaf,depending on u-bolt type,using the u-bolts and front spring perch. First ones were called Bushwackers,then Rancho was selling them. You could easily fabricate them.
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com/traction6.jpg

http://www.novaresource.org/ct/ct02.jpg

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/images/SL_tracbar.jpg

These last ones are like what I've used. Rocky Mountain Suspensions has them. They're made by Superlift.

[69GWC]

I would install a new set of springs and lower it the correct way and then see if it still does it.
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[brad_man_72]

Your ujoints are bent! Throw some spicer lifes in there asap and have the shaft reballanced.
Throw some cal tracks on it to get rid of the wrap.
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[special-K]

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

Your ujoints are bent! Throw some spicer lifes in there asap and have the shaft reballanced.
Throw some cal tracks on it to get rid of the wrap.
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I'm thinking he meant "u-bolts"

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by special-K

I'm thinking he meant "u-bolts"

I hope he meant u-bolts. If the U-joints are "bent", that's a breakdown waiting to happen.

Caltracs are spendy. So can swapping over to coil springs. The el-cheapo way would be to install a universal set of "slapper bars".

Find a spring/suspension shop in your area and have a set of drop leaves made for your rig. That might be a tad cheaper than buying aftermarket dropped leaves as well.

This is one area you wanna make sure you're doing it right.

Gary

[1965c1O]

Anyone know where I can find these used, maybe someone parting out a truck ?

[biohazardbill]

Convert to coil setup?

Should be pretty easy to do.... and parts are easy to find and cheap since 99% of chevys came with that setup from factory back then.

[Ackattack]

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

Convert to coil setup?

Should be pretty easy to do.... and parts are easy to find and cheap since 99% of chevys came with that setup from factory back then.

I was going to suggest that too. I converted my 69 from 3/4 ton leaf to 1/2 ton coil. You should be able to get the parts used pretty cheap, but there are a few crossmembers you have to remove along with the leaf spring hangers. All are attached with rivets, which can be a pain, especially if you don't have an air chisel.

[Mike C]

Caltracs will solve your hop problems. One great thing about leafs is how much room you have to route exhaust.

[special-K]

The traction bars I showed are the cheapest and by far easiest suggestion so far. Converting to coils is a lot of work in my book. A lot of parts needed,a lot of work,and how to you fasten the panhard bar to a leaf spring axle?