I got a set of lazarsmith traction bars i wanna put on the 99. I never put a set on any trucks, so im intrested on some pointers. How should i have the truck sitting when i do it? Also what should i do with setting the preload on them?

 

After the mounting brackets are installed (I usually leave about an inch of thread exposed on both heims), just use the adjusting tool to put at least one full turn of preload on the bars. Try to adjust them when the truck is on the "light" side - i.e. when fuel is low. Otherwise, use more preload of jack the frame up an inch or so before the preload adjustment.

Since the traction bars act as anti-sway bars in the corners, you may want to preload closer to 3 turns if you prefer better handling. Of course, as load is placed on the rear suspenson, the traction bars increase the effective spring rate, so no adjustment is needed when hauling or towing heavy.

Don't worry about the truck's position when you install the brackets - there's plenty of adjustment range to set the bars where you want them for ride preference.

Remember, you can use them to weight-jack for traction issues at the dragstrip or help carry the weight of the sled at a pull.

 

Do you need to back the preload off when towing heavy or issues with them binding if you are crossing say a mild ditch with them on. Just curious and trying to furthar understand them. I know they are to prevent axle from rotating. Was just curious if anything to beaware of or side effects of running them.

 

Since the traction bars use heim joints all around, their range of motion/degree of freedom is much larger than that of the suspension, so they can't bind - ditches or not.
Full articulation is maintained.

Side effects?
Certainly - all positive!

 

thanks for clarifying that.

 

Thanks Mike for the info. Ill be testing them this evening. I Appreciate all your help again.
Rob

 

No problem, guys - that's what we're here for.

 

Are you guys using single point of attachment on each side of the rearend or two points? If two points on the axle housing and the front point is ahead of or behind the front spring eye, there will be binding due to different rearend travel arcs caused by the two different centers. If you only have one point of attachment on the rearend, then no worries. I have seen both so I thought I would mention it.

 

They are single point of attachment.