Im planning or building some traction bars, but Im not sure what to use for the joints on the ends and where to get them? Anyone have any input? Joel

 

What I use is the joints that are on a 3 point on a tractor. I get them at are local tractor supply place. One side is left handed threads and the other is right. They are an 1.25 thick and I weld them into 1/2" tubes.

 

Sweet, do you just load them a little to keep them from wearing? Do you get any binding?

 

Nope I weld the brackets to the frame and also I made a bracket that wrps the front side of rear axle so I can weld it too. After you get the length you want I add another nut to lock them there so they don't move. You could tack them but I like to adjust them sometimes.

 

Do you have any pics?

 

No I do not I can get some in a few days when I get truck back as it is getting tuned in at what not.

 

Thanks a bunch!

 

I thought of building something similar but I thought you would need some kind of rubber bushing to help take up some of the twisting. If it is working for you that way then I guess I will start on mine.

I assume they are a single tube from what you are describing. How long (approx) are your tubes? I need to make a order up for the metal and it comes in 10' lengths. Thanks for the help!

 

Look in my pics...

3/4" hiems from mcmaster carr...cheap and have lasted fine for 40k.

I bought coupler nuts...gound the 6 points flat (so now its like a 12 point) and slipped them into one pipe...then stepped up again in 6" to the 1 1/2" pipe for the main arm. Mine are 50" long maybe...to the back of the cab...kinda the same angle as the driveshaft. 3/8" plate brackets.

 

The last set I made had 3/4 heims on both ends. This setup transmitted driveline noise to the frame though. I would use poly bushings at the frame end on the next set. And either buy better quality or larger heims, I broke a couple backing up hills (basically pulled them apart).

This place has been a good source of parts for me.
http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/index.html

 

I have not had any issues with mine...noise or strength.

they where rated at 15k each...and the hardest loads they would see are in compression...where they never fail.

 

I'd use spring eye bushings as well.
Many Places (4x4 related) sell them.
Balistic fab is one, Ruff Stuff is another.

 

I purchased some of the heim joints at tractorsupply.com just haven't finished the project yet. What size pipe or schedule do you need so the heim fits snug inside and then welded around the end? thanks.

 

cquestad, I always experienced failure in expansion(reverse), but this was with tall lift blocks and loaded, plus a grabby clutch. The loop around the race would fracture. Like I said, probably avoidable with a decent quality part.

 

what steps do you go through to weld on the frame ???? disconnect battery or any thing else