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-   -   Traction Bars For Lifted Trucks (https://www.f150forum.com/f123/traction-bars-lifted-trucks-448134/)

Ecks 05-31-2019 10:55 AM


Originally Posted by BadCon (Post 6215664)
Stifflers makes some bars for lifted trucks...they are for the 11-14 trucks but bolt on all the same tot he 15+ trucks.

Their description shows up to 4" lift. I have 6" so not sure if they will be too short.
Also wonder if there is any performance difference between the stifflers and RC. They seem to mount similarly.
I'm waiting to hear back from VAS to see what they say about their kit but right now the Rough Country bars are looking very tempting.

Ecks 05-31-2019 02:31 PM

Well, I'm going to give VAS a shot. They're shipping out the brackets today so I can get them put on and take some more measurements for them.
Stay tuned...

Ecks 06-07-2019 09:26 PM

Got these put on today. As you can see in the pictures there's not enough thread engagement.
Going to pull them off and VAS is sending me a replacement bar. Excellent service!
Will update as I get the new bar and attempt to dial it in... If anyone who has these (or similar) has any recommendations for preload feel free to chime in!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...ea1f9ee9c1.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...1fe5cc1b0f.jpg

RLXXI 06-07-2019 09:37 PM

The only true way to plant the rear axle is to anchor it to the frame not the leaf springs. That's a weird setup. Almost reminds me of the old school traction bars I put on a 69 Camaro.

Solid bars no adjustments needed.

This.....
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...65344f0f99.jpg

The two main differences are, what you have will minimize wheel hop while stressing the spring pack. What I recommend will eliminate wheel hop and only stress it's bushings as designed.

Ecks 06-07-2019 10:15 PM

Main reasons I went with these over other options:
1.) Extremely easy install. Took me 30 mins to bolt up.
2.) Adjustability. You can unload them for street driving as if they weren't even there (if you wanted). Then, load them up while you're at the track.
Honestly, takes 10 secs to loosen the nut and twist the bar lol.

Neutral points:
1.) Price is about the same amongst all makes so not much benefit there.
2.) I like the look of the long bars, especially on a lifted truck. However, I also like the subtle look of these as well.

Drilling a hole for long bars isn't really a big deal for me so that wasn't really a deal breaker.

Either way, looking forward to getting the truck dialed in and testing it at the track.
Hoping I can cut a 1.6xx 60ft :brows:

rojizostang 06-08-2019 08:15 AM

Sitting on level ground I left about 1/4" clearance between the snubber and the spring.

As you noticed, installation is a breeze.

Ecks 06-08-2019 11:18 AM


Originally Posted by rojizostang (Post 6223973)
Sitting on level ground I left about 1/4" clearance between the snubber and the spring.

As you noticed, installation is a breeze.

So you leave that 1/4" gap there at all times? Do you tighten it up when you go to the track or do you leave the gap?

rojizostang 06-08-2019 03:13 PM

I leave like that all the time. I don't claim to be an expert though.

Your wheel hop issue might be from stiff springs and shocks though. I removed the overload spring on mine and I'm running two leafs per side and about 10/15 psi in the air bags. Shocks are just the calmax drop shocks.

BadCon 06-08-2019 06:27 PM


Originally Posted by Ecks (Post 6224077)
So you leave that 1/4" gap there at all times? Do you tighten it up when you go to the track or do you leave the gap?


I don’t think there should be any gap, I was always told hand tight for preload. For my bars they are as tight as my grip allowed all the time....however I have long bars, so things might be different.

rojizostang 06-08-2019 07:47 PM


Originally Posted by BadCon (Post 6224343)
I don’t think there should be any gap, I was always told hand tight for preload. For my bars they are as tight as my grip allowed all the time....however I have long bars, so things might be different.

Vic Alma told me to set them up like that, but perhaps he's changed his mind recently. He's the guy that built them.


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