Cal Trac Bar Installation In New York
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FAQ
The harder you're on the throttle, the harder the downward force on your tires. While many believe that CalTracs are strictly for drag racing applications, a properly adjusted CalTracs setup could improve traction for just about any application, including heavy towing, off-roading, even daily driving.
Simply put, traction bars are installed on a lifted truck to help maintain its stability, prevent wheel hop, and keep your ride smooth no matter how bumpy the road gets. Axles, tires, suspensions, and trucks might seem a bit heavy for a casual read, or not if you are like us.
We suggest a pinion angle to be between -2 to -4 degrees when used with CalTracs.
``Traction bars'' are generally helpful in keeping the front control arms from pulling forward under immense acceleration. They can be used on street cars because you can leave your compliant control arm bushings, and use the 3rd pivot of the traction bar to limit the forward movement.
If you spin your tires or get a hopping or chatter feeling from your rear end while towing heavy loads, you are likely feeling the effects of axle wrap and lack of traction. CalTracs were designed to help eliminate both axle wrap and traction issues. Click the link for more information.
In addition to improving consistent 60-foot times, Calvert Racing's patented CalTracs eliminate axle rotation AND improve traction, especially on hard acceleration.
Either way, you are ultimately looking for pinion angles of 1-2 degrees above the drive shaft angle in the front and 1-2 below drive shaft angle in the back. Theoretically zero is perfect, but the offset allows for axle wrap (twist) under power.
Pinion angle is the key. Once you have the traction bars installed you'll want you pinion angle to be negative 2.5 to negative 3-5 degrees.
Most driveline companies recommend operating angles of 3° or less for maximum u-joint life. There should be a minimum of ½° to allow the needles to rotate. The higher the operating angle, the more likely your vehicle will develop a vibration at high driveshaft speeds.
