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#1 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Someone reminded me the other day that traction will be a problem (duh!) with my '72 shortbed project. It's a 2WD with leaf spring rear, about a 4/6 drop with the axle under the springs. What are my options for increased traction? Hoping for something off the shelf rather than something I'd need to fabricate (since I don't have the equipment, skill, or knowledge). Any advice is more than appreciated.
Thanks, Brent
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#2 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Is there a reason the Lakewood 21715 bars for '73-87 Chevy trucks wouldn't work? Don't know what the difference is between those setups and mine.
http://www.lakewoodindustries.com/pdf/21715.pdf
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) Last edited by brossow; 07-01-2009 at 01:39 PM. |
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#3 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Feel stupid being the only one to post in my own thread asking for help, but after further reading (WAY back in the archives from 2001) I came across this thread that seems to suggest traction bars are useless for trucks with the axle under the springs. If that were the case, it seems Lakewood and Competition Engineering wouldn't bother making them for the '73-87 trucks. Thoughts?
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,967
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
I would go w/some from here . . ....
http://calvertracing.com/
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#5 | |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Quote:
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,967
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Quote:
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. Last edited by SCOTI; 07-01-2009 at 05:28 PM. |
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#7 | |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Quote:
![]() Suggestions? I'm well beyond just upset about this. I've got my truck apart and one of the springs already has the CalTrac bushing pressed in, and now I can't even put the stuff back together. Anyone want to buy a project? ![]() ![]()
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) Last edited by brossow; 08-09-2009 at 07:22 PM. |
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Pittsburg, KS
Posts: 2,466
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Quote:
For a leaf car or truck this is the way to go.
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Doug Looking for a 67-72 short bed driver..... |
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#9 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Forum Vendor Capt Kaos is a distributor for the Caltracs
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#10 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Got a couple replies back from Scott @ Calvert. Sent a pic of a Dodge truck that's "similar" to the 3100 setup. Why don't they even have pics of their own products?
![]() Thanks for all the info, guys!
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#11 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
More full-res pics here: http://hootus.com/temp/caltracs/
I can't see any possible way for these to work, but if anyone has suggestions (different front hangers that would be a bolt-on, for example) I'm open to suggestions. Of all the aggravations I've run into with this project so far, this is the only one that has truly and completely pissed me off. These pics show exactly why this setup couldn't have been tested and found to work on these trucks.
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: knoxville tn
Posts: 1,013
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Ok then the pic of the kit on the website shows a 2 pc leaf spring that is going to be moveable Am i seeing things
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nickle and dime Last edited by royo; 08-09-2009 at 12:54 PM. |
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#13 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
That's a different kit with their split-leaf spring. All that's important here is the front bracket assembly, which doesn't fit into the stock spring hanger.
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: knoxville tn
Posts: 1,013
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
ok then thx. I see now
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nickle and dime |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,967
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
I wish there was something one of us can say to relieve your frustrations. I have seen CalTracs on 73-up 1/2 GM trucks. According to their site, they fit earlier one's as well.
The best suggestion is to cool down & give them another shot to correct the situation or work toward some sort of resolution. If you come @ them in 'attack' mode (which is usually the case when we're frustrated), it will put them on the defensive & might hinder your objective. I would be curious if the later model front hanger works, what's the difference when compared to the earlier? This question is for anyone that's reading . . . ... Does anyone have one of each hanger they could possibly measure?
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#16 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
SCOTI,... I measured my front hangers off of my '86 Dropmember truck.
The inside opening of the front hanger is 3" wide,... with a height of 1.5" from the center of the leaf spring eye to the inside of the hanger. (All of this for the later 73-87 2.5" wide leaf springs). I think the early narrower (2" wide?) leaf spring and mount are the problem.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,967
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Quote:
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#18 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
|
Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
What would really help me is knowing (for '73-up) the distance between the top mounting holes, between the bottom mounting holes, and between the top and bottom holes (imagine drawing a line between the top two holes and another between the bottom two, then measuring the distance between the two. There are various aftermarket hangers for '73-87 that would solve the clearance issue if they would bolt up, but I can't find any for my '72.
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#19 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
I'll be right back.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,967
|
Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
![]() |
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#21 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
|
Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
OK as far as the measurements. (There are three sets of holes)
Starting with the top set: 7-3/4" (center to center) Middle set: 6-1/4" Bottom set: 5-3/4" And then as far as vertical spacing,... From the top set down to the middle set of holes is 3-1/2",... and from the top set down to the bottom set of holes is 4-1/2". I wonder if you could re-drill all of the holes if you could find the exact location of the front leaf spring eye? (Also,... if I had DSL,... I would have been done 10 minutes ago ![]()
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#22 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
THANK YOU for that info! Haven't measured my own but will do so tomorrow. There's virtually no chance that anything will line up, of course, but I'll keep my fingers crossed anyway.
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#23 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
Turns out it's not even close. For anyone needing this for future reference, on my '72 the top holes are 6-3/8" center to center and the bottom are 4-1/2". It's 4-1/2" vertically between the two sets of holes.
On the plus side, Calvert Racing called me late this afternoon and I sent them some more pictures of the hanger removed from the frame. Sounds like they're willing to fabricate a pair of hangers for me, but I'll know more tomorrow morning after they do a little more research and call me back. The guy I talked to is gonna see if he can find a truck locally with the same hangers; otherwise I can send him mine, since the truck isn't going anywhere until I get this resolved anyway.
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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#24 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
brossow,... if you need my stock '86
front hangers,... you are welcome to them. The leaf springs are still attached,... but I can take them off and send them to you.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#25 |
Amateur Rust Fighter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Mankato, MN
Posts: 1,087
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Re: Traction bar options for '72 SWB leaf rear?
I sure appreciate the offer, but I can't see how they'd work for me. Hoping this deal will work out with Calvert. But THANKS!
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Brent '72 Chevy SWB stepside - [ Build Thread ] '79 ChevMC SWB fleetside - [ Build Thread ] '64 Chevy SWB fleetside & '66 Chevy SWB stepside (waiting in the wings...) |
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