When I went to Pismo a few weeks ago with my new 5th wheel for the first time, I discovered that although I had plenty of power to pull through the sand, I couldn't get through the dry sand because my rear axle would wheelhop so bad when I gave it enough power to move. I think that aired down I should have enough traction, I just need to get the axle to sit still.

I've been looking into some traction bars to eliminate this problem, but I can't seem to find any that are designed for a truck with zero lift. I haven't gone so far as to start calling manufacturers, I figured I would ask the pros around here if you know of a solution.

For reference, my truck has stock springs and shocks, it will have bilsteins before the next trip, and it also has Firestone airbags, if that matters. I really like the design of the Fabtech traction bars, but I think they need lift. The RCD's are nice as well, and much better priced, but it specifically says that you need a lift block to use them.

Thoughts or solutions?

Thanks,
Marc

Have you considered a rear sway bar? They do make those for our trucks and it really helps the performance.

A sway bar will help with axle wrap???

Have you considered a rear sway bar? They do make those for our trucks and it really helps the performance.


Hellwig makes most of the sway bars and they do not make one for HD2500 according to a parts guy at 4 wheel parts.

I think you just need to air down the tires a little more. Just about any truck will have bad axle hop in dry sand if you have too much air in the tires.

If you want a set of heavy trac bars you can look at mtomac's web site. His are designed for sled pullin and racing. I believe his either came from or were designed by Craig at Macs Performance. About $500 a set.

I think you just need to air down the tires a little more. Just about any truck will have bad axle hop in dry sand if you have too much air in the tires.




IT's not that,I'm pretty sure. I air down quite a bit, actually more than I was comfortable with last time.

Mjollnir, Are you running stock tires? If not I would go to some a little bit bigger and wider. How low did you air down?

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/traction_bars20.jpg


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/traction_bars21.jpg

White Duramax,


Who makes those traction bars?

They are home made traction bars. 04forme actually built them for his pullin truck but doesnt have it ready yet, so he let me borrow them. They are a simple design and adjustable to boot!

Mjollnir, Are you running stock tires? If not I would go to some a little bit bigger and wider. How low did you air down?

Don't really have the dough for a whole new set of tires. Saving up for a juice! :) Besides, more traction could just exacerbate the axle wrap problem. (?)

I was running 20 lbs in the back, but keep in mind that I had over 2k lbs of pin weight over the rear axle, so they were squattin' GOOD. Didn't get stuck, just couldn't go into the dry stuff very far because of the axlewrap/wheelhop.

White Duramax, ya big tease. Can I get some closeup shots of each end of those babies? I thought about fabbing my own, just wanted to see if they were available mass-market.

Marc

Yea I will try to get some closer pics of up here soon.

air down at least 20 psi

I have traction bars that work. No welding, adjustable, easy install. 319.00. I run them, Nick, Trippin, DmaxDoug, Diesel 5.

Mike, no body likes a hijacker...LOL

Cal Tracks that Mike has are very good. Bolt on like he said.

No matter if you build or buy, make sure both ends have rubber bushings.

Rubber bushings are very helpfull for flex, longevity, and quiet smooth ride.

dumb question here but what exaclty will the traction bars help with and what will you notice that will be different. i hear good things about them and people have said i should put some on with my lift and all but im not sure i need them or do i ??