Researching traction bar options. Have read most all the posts and seems like the Caltracs are popular but the install doesn't sound fun. Anyone running different ones they like or recommend? I have a 4" lift with 2.5" rear blocks so they need to work with that. I would prefer not to have to remove my leaf springs.

Caltracs are actually a pretty easy install. What do you think you will have apreoblem with?

You dont have to remove your leaf springs. You can just drop the front, the rear can stay attached to the truck.

Hmmm, based on the threads I read the install isn't any fun. Sounds like that front bushing can be a bear to get out? Think I read where the install made Mike L sore for 1-2 days :) So they can be installed in 1-2 hours?

Can they be installed without an air chisel? What about that DS bolt that hits the tank? Does it require moving/dropping the tank or cutting off part of the bolt ...with the later implying one better have a cut-off wheel at least?

I don't necessarily want to fight,wrestle/cus the truck for hours in the garage with bloody knuckles, etc. If it's straight forward and relatively easy then I might tackle it...but I guess that is subject to what each person defines as "easy". I also have air-bags ...and hope I wouldn't have to unbolt/remove those ...

Dont have to drop the tank, do need to slice the nipple off the bolt and drop the shield. Really need an air chisel but it could be done by hand I suppose but that would suck. You can get a cheap air chisel from harbor freight or other cheap tool locations for under 20$. I used a U joint squasher. A big C clapm may work or a ball joint tool or a torsionbar unloading tool ect may also work? I think I did a fairly lenghty write up. If you want you can gime a ring after I get off work and i could walk you through what I did. I think bmdmax has done it similar to me also. Trippin should also be able to answer any question you have.

It helps to have an extra hand for part of the process to get the springs back lined up. With an air chisel I would think a guy doing it for the first time could do it in 2-3 hours easily?

I prefer to remove thge springs, but some have done it w/o. If you don't mind the mess, you can take a torch to the center sleeve and when you get it going, it will burn the rubber out. Makes a heck of a mess, but then you can chisel out the main bushing.

To drive the bushing I used a piece of heavy plate and a large hammer pounding on the plate.