Traction question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1974StepSide · 12-18-2003, 05:04 AM

Lately there has been discussions regarding gear swaps, engine swaps, transmission swaps... And it all usually comes down to putting the power to the ground and getting traction.

So that got me thinking, what is the ideal setup to get traction? I want to hear what you've done (if anything) to improve traction...

TIMSPEED · 12-18-2003, 05:22 AM

A friend of mine has a set of traction bars that he made himself. His rear leaves aren't flipped, so..I'll get a picture of it this weekend if I see him. He hooks up pretty good with about 300bhp.

**swervin ervin** · 12-18-2003, 08:14 AM

If you have some serious hp, say 350 to 400 or more, not a lot traction bars will do for you. About the best traction bars made that I know of are Caltracs at http://www.calvertracing.com/ They're not cheap, but what is if it works.

Of course I guess there are 4 link setups and such, but it's a matter of how much to you want to spend. From my quests with trying to get traction, which was not a lot before giving up, everything you do to increase it, takes away from ride quality. I know a truck can be made to have traction, but it gets expensive and will ride like a tank. You can ride around on some street legal slicks, but at the expense of killing yourself on wet roads.

If you notice, most of us are always talking about rolling starts. I know for a fact, if I floor mine from a dead stop, forget it. By the time it hooks, I would have already lost the race to a similar vehicle with traction.

My logic is just not worry about it and not race.

81chevystep · 12-18-2003, 02:41 PM

i took off the leaf springs and put on laddr bars and coil overs and i hooks really good from a dead stop if i warm up the tires a little.

1974StepSide · 12-18-2003, 03:16 PM

Any pics of your setup Chris?

81chevystep · 12-18-2003, 04:03 PM

not yet but i can take some and get them up later.

81chevystep · 12-18-2003, 04:24 PM

here they are

81chevystep · 12-18-2003, 04:25 PM

2

81chevystep · 12-18-2003, 04:25 PM

3

81chevystep · 12-18-2003, 04:26 PM

4

Tom · 12-18-2003, 04:51 PM

Chris that is sweet. Man I wish I knew how to weld.

**swervin ervin** · 12-18-2003, 06:43 PM

I love it. Details, details, and then some more details. You are probably going to be one of the most popular guys on here for a while.

Mike

81chevystep · 12-18-2003, 09:59 PM

they are competition engenering adjustable ladder bars and coil overs. i whent to a local speed shop and got some steel tubing to use as a sutible mounting point for the bars and coils. i also added 2 more crossmembers to strengthen up the rear of the frame some. then i added an adjustable diagonal link to keep it all centered under the truck. thats about it, i have probably left a few thing out but if any one has any questions or coments please feel free to contact me.

toytruck · 12-18-2003, 11:45 PM

CAL TRACS! All the way. I got them for the Nova.

**swervin ervin** · 12-19-2003, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toytruck
CAL TRACS! All the way. I got them for the Nova.

Did you notice any ride quality loss? They use solid metal bushings, right? I've heard this is hard on the ride. Is this true?

Would you recommend them for a street driven truck? I know the ride will change, it couldn't help but get worse. But, is it an amount you can tolerate?

bigblock73 · 12-19-2003, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 81chevystep
i took off the leaf springs and put on laddr bars and coil overs and i hooks really good from a dead stop if i warm up the tires a little.

Chris, If you want to write up an installation article on this hop up and send me any other pics you might have, I can post it on 73-87.com...providing you are cool with that.

Let me know.

**N2TRUX** · 12-19-2003, 12:37 AM

Mike, I don't think the Cal-Tracs effect the ride. From what I see in the pics, they bolt on to the bottom of the U-bolt plate, and the leaf spring floats between them. The only time they should come in to play is whe the spring starts to curl from axle wrap....

toytruck · 12-19-2003, 12:41 AM

Cal tracs- To me they are not harsh. More harsh than 35 series tires and lowered springs and shocks. I don't think so. You can ajust the preload on them. They also have two holes for less or more bite. I have monos so I think the ride is smooth. There are alot of Chevy II's running 10 & 9 secs on a 9in tire with them.

**swervin ervin** · 12-19-2003, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigblock73

Chris, If you want to write up an installation article on this hop up and send me any other pics you might have, I can post it on 73-87.com...providing you are cool with that.

Let me know.

Jeff, you are sounding just like I did at one time. It's addicting, ain't it?

Just wanted to say, you are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.

jon_volk · 12-20-2003, 12:30 PM

got any pics of how the truck sits w/ the new suspension?

gchemist · 12-21-2003, 08:04 AM

Sometimes making your own is worth experimenting.

81chevystep · 12-21-2003, 02:07 PM

,,,,,,,,,,

12-18-2003, 05:04 AM	#1
1974StepSide Play it Loud... Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: East San Jose, CA Posts: 465	Traction question Lately there has been discussions regarding gear swaps, engine swaps, transmission swaps... And it all usually comes down to putting the power to the ground and getting traction. So that got me thinking, what is the ideal setup to get traction? I want to hear what you've done (if anything) to improve traction... __________________ Big Moe =-=-=-= 1974 Cheyenne Super Stepside, 350/400, Hooker Headers, Flowmaster Mufflers... Needs new doors, fenders, hood, and paint. 1952 Chevy Pickup waiting to be brought back home!

12-18-2003, 05:22 AM	#2
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	A friend of mine has a set of traction bars that he made himself. His rear leaves aren't flipped, so..I'll get a picture of it this weekend if I see him. He hooks up pretty good with about 300bhp. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

12-18-2003, 08:14 AM	#3
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	If you have some serious hp, say 350 to 400 or more, not a lot traction bars will do for you. About the best traction bars made that I know of are Caltracs at http://www.calvertracing.com/ They're not cheap, but what is if it works. Of course I guess there are 4 link setups and such, but it's a matter of how much to you want to spend. From my quests with trying to get traction, which was not a lot before giving up, everything you do to increase it, takes away from ride quality. I know a truck can be made to have traction, but it gets expensive and will ride like a tank. You can ride around on some street legal slicks, but at the expense of killing yourself on wet roads. If you notice, most of us are always talking about rolling starts. I know for a fact, if I floor mine from a dead stop, forget it. By the time it hooks, I would have already lost the race to a similar vehicle with traction. My logic is just not worry about it and not race. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

12-18-2003, 02:41 PM	#4
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	i took off the leaf springs and put on laddr bars and coil overs and i hooks really good from a dead stop if i warm up the tires a little. __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

12-18-2003, 03:16 PM	#5
1974StepSide Play it Loud... Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: East San Jose, CA Posts: 465	Any pics of your setup Chris? __________________ Big Moe =-=-=-= 1974 Cheyenne Super Stepside, 350/400, Hooker Headers, Flowmaster Mufflers... Needs new doors, fenders, hood, and paint. 1952 Chevy Pickup waiting to be brought back home!

12-18-2003, 04:03 PM	#6
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	not yet but i can take some and get them up later. __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

12-18-2003, 04:24 PM	#7
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	here they are Attached Images __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

12-18-2003, 04:25 PM	#8
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	2 Attached Images __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

12-18-2003, 04:25 PM	#9
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	3 Attached Images __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

12-18-2003, 04:26 PM	#10
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	4 Attached Images __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

12-18-2003, 04:51 PM	#11
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Chris that is sweet. Man I wish I knew how to weld. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

12-18-2003, 06:43 PM	#12
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I love it. Details, details, and then some more details. You are probably going to be one of the most popular guys on here for a while. Mike

12-18-2003, 09:59 PM	#13
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	here is the details they are competition engenering adjustable ladder bars and coil overs. i whent to a local speed shop and got some steel tubing to use as a sutible mounting point for the bars and coils. i also added 2 more crossmembers to strengthen up the rear of the frame some. then i added an adjustable diagonal link to keep it all centered under the truck. thats about it, i have probably left a few thing out but if any one has any questions or coments please feel free to contact me. __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

12-18-2003, 11:45 PM	#14
toytruck 5-7 dropped 87 CC Dually Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bay city mi Posts: 326	CAL TRACS! All the way. I got them for the Nova. __________________ I rather be in my 77 Sanger Picklefork Jet Hydro!

12-19-2003, 12:37 AM	#17
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Mike, I don't think the Cal-Tracs effect the ride. From what I see in the pics, they bolt on to the bottom of the U-bolt plate, and the leaf spring floats between them. The only time they should come in to play is whe the spring starts to curl from axle wrap.... __________________ 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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12-19-2003, 12:41 AM	#18
toytruck 5-7 dropped 87 CC Dually Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bay city mi Posts: 326	Cal tracs- To me they are not harsh. More harsh than 35 series tires and lowered springs and shocks. I don't think so. You can ajust the preload on them. They also have two holes for less or more bite. I have monos so I think the ride is smooth. There are alot of Chevy II's running 10 & 9 secs on a 9in tire with them. __________________ I rather be in my 77 Sanger Picklefork Jet Hydro!

12-20-2003, 12:30 PM	#20
jon_volk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Milford, CT Posts: 242	got any pics of how the truck sits w/ the new suspension? __________________ 83 Monte Carlo 92 Camaro

12-21-2003, 08:04 AM	#21
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Sometimes making your own is worth experimenting. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

12-21-2003, 02:07 PM	#22
81chevystep ShadeTree Kustomz Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: spring, texas Posts: 300	,,,,,,,,,, Attached Images __________________ -chris- 1981 c/10, 383 fully built bagged, custom interior. built entirely by me

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