Solutions for axle wrap
 

1965 c-10 with a 70's rear end.

To drop it, the original owner removed some leaf springs and the 3 on each side are pretty "bouncy".

When stepping on the gas medium to hard, I get axle wrap - and I can see the u joints are slightly bent.

What are some on the budget solutions for this?

Are traction bars the best way to go?

Is there a way to find used traction bars?

Any other ideas?

Also, does this mean I loose a lot of power in most conditions or only on a hard take off?



Thank you.:chevy:

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

I've used something like these shown. They mount over or under the leaf,depending on u-bolt type,using the u-bolts and front spring perch. First ones were called Bushwackers,then Rancho was selling them. You could easily fabricate them.
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com/traction6.jpg

http://www.novaresource.org/ct/ct02.jpg

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/images/SL_tracbar.jpg

These last ones are like what I've used. Rocky Mountain Suspensions has them. They're made by Superlift.

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

I would install a new set of springs and lower it the correct way and then see if it still does it.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

Your ujoints are bent! Throw some spicer lifes in there asap and have the shaft reballanced.
Throw some cal tracks on it to get rid of the wrap.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

I'm thinking he meant "u-bolts"

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

Anyone know where I can find these used, maybe someone parting out a truck ?

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

Convert to coil setup?

Should be pretty easy to do.... and parts are easy to find and cheap since 99% of chevys came with that setup from factory back then.

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

I was going to suggest that too. I converted my 69 from 3/4 ton leaf to 1/2 ton coil. You should be able to get the parts used pretty cheap, but there are a few crossmembers you have to remove along with the leaf spring hangers. All are attached with rivets, which can be a pain, especially if you don't have an air chisel.

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

Caltracs will solve your hop problems. One great thing about leafs is how much room you have to route exhaust.

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

I hope he meant u-bolts. If the U-joints are "bent", that's a breakdown waiting to happen.

Caltracs are spendy. So can swapping over to coil springs. The el-cheapo way would be to install a universal set of "slapper bars".

Find a spring/suspension shop in your area and have a set of drop leaves made for your rig. That might be a tad cheaper than buying aftermarket dropped leaves as well.

This is one area you wanna make sure you're doing it right.

Gary

Re: Solutions for axle wrap
 

The traction bars I showed are the cheapest and by far easiest suggestion so far. Converting to coils is a lot of work in my book. A lot of parts needed,a lot of work,and how to you fasten the panhard bar to a leaf spring axle?