Traction bars???

[96Camaro]

I was wanting to know if traction bars are really worth it. I dont know anything hardley at all about them. So any input or info would be appreciated. How hard are they to install, where can I get them, will it effect cornering?

[Joe 1320]

Traction bars as they were called, were designed to limit axle rotation on leaf spring cars. 3rd and 4th generation f-bodies (82 and later) use a torque arm to limit the axle rotation. there are a couple of ways to increase the traction on torque arm cars. One is a lower control arm relocation bracket that lowers the rear attachment point of the lower control arm, the other is an adjustable torque arm.

[Injuneer]

Lakewood actually makes a "Traction Action" bar for the 3rd/4th Gen F-Bodies. Very few people use them, because in effect, they put the entire rear suspension in "bind".... something has to "give", and generally its the Lakewood bars. They tear their own welds apart. But every time this gets posted, someone will post that they have them and they are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

South Side Machine also made traction bars for the 3rd/4th Gens, and they weren't very popular, but the few people that had them were fanatics. SSM has since gone out of business.

Then there's a bar called Pete-Z that a few hard core racers use.

But all you have to do is keep in mind that there are 4th Gens running in the 7's and 8's, pulling low 1.2X 60-fts with "stock style" suspensions. That's all lyou really need - upgraded replacements for the stock components, as Joe has pointed out.

[Joe 1320]

Lakewood actually makes a "Traction Action" bar for the 3rd/4th Gen F-Bodies. Very few people use them, because in effect, they put the entire rear suspension in "bind".... something has to "give", and generally its the Lakewood bars. They tear their own welds apart. But every time this gets posted, someone will post that they have them and they are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

South Side Machine also made traction bars for the 3rd/4th Gens, and they weren't very popular, but the few people that had them were fanatics. SSM has since gone out of business.

Then there's a bar called Pete-Z that a few hard core racers use.

But all you have to do is keep in mind that there are 4th Gens running in the 7's and 8's, pulling low 1.2X 60-fts with "stock style" suspensions. That's all lyou really need - upgraded replacements for the stock components, as Joe has pointed out.

I purposely left out the SSM and Lakewood parts...... too many problems with them. I haven't heard of the Pete-Z bar. Care to enlighten?

[Injuneer]

I don't know anything at all about the Pete-Z bars. I've seen a couple hard core 4th Gen racers mention they use them. They are mentioned in this article on suspension from National Drageter. Billinglsley might sell them.... I'll check.

http://www.nhra.com/dragster/1999/is...echnology.html

[96Camaro]

So you guys are basicly saying dont use them right?

[raroZ28]

So you guys are basicly saying dont use them right?

lol. www.bmrfabrication.com

look at their stuff. Get lower control arms, lca relocation brackets, a panhard bar, and a nice torque arm. Maybe some subframe connectors too. Your car will hook very nice. forget traction bars, you don't use them on this car.