Installing Traction Bars?

[wickedmach1]

Any secrets or do's or dont's when installing traction bars on a 1970 Mustang? I have the Shelby type. Can the car be on jack stands or does it have to be on the ground? Please help. Thanks

 

[rbohm]

the car can be on jack stands, just put the rear jack stands under the rear axle so the weight is on the springs. hold the spring mounting plate and have someone mark the front location. then bolt the spring end plate inplace and verify the location for the front mount. then teh front mount can be welded inplace.

 

[dennis112]

the car can be on jack stands, just put the rear jack stands under the rear axle so the weight is on the springs. hold the spring mounting plate and have someone mark the front location. then bolt the spring end plate inplace and verify the location for the front mount. then teh front mount can be welded inplace.

Not familiar with the shelby type traction bar, but does it require removing the u-bolts from the existing perch?

If so, don't put the jack stands under the axle as the rear end will tend to lift off the springs and create a dangerous situation. I looked at the ones offered by Branda and couldn't quite tell for sure.

If you don't need to remove the spring perch, then all is cool with jacking. Either way you would want the weight of the axle on the stand before welding the front.

 

[rbohm]

Not familiar with the shelby type traction bar, but does it require removing the u-bolts from the existing perch?

If so, don't put the jack stands under the axle as the rear end will tend to lift off the springs and create a dangerous situation. I looked at the ones offered by Branda and couldn't quite tell for sure.

If you don't need to remove the spring perch, then all is cool with jacking. Either way you would want the weight of the axle on the stand before welding the front.

i perhaps assumed too much. yes the u-bolts need to be unbolted to install the spring mount, but i usually assume that people will support the body, along with the rear end when they get to the point that they are ready to actually install everything. silly me

 

[BigDaddyCee]

The Shelby Under-rider traction bars have a square/rectangle plate that bolts/mounts to the bottom of the spring perch which makes it necessary to remove the nuts on the U-bolts. In my case I had to purchase slightly longer u-bolts because adding the traction bars made the old u-bolts unusable. For this phase I supported the frame. But it is agreed that when you go to weld the front plate of the traction bar to the frame rail you well want to have your suspension under load.

 

[dennis112]

In my case I had to purchase slightly longer u-bolts because adding the traction bars made the old u-bolts unusable.

Good point.

I will add that if new U bolts are needed, most NAPA stores have some in stock. You may have to buy the longer ones and shorten them as needed because not all lengths are available.

 

[dennis112]

i perhaps assumed too much. yes the u-bolts need to be unbolted to install the spring mount, but i usually assume that people will support the body, along with the rear end when they get to the point that they are ready to actually install everything. silly me

No big deal, I just don't want a "possible" mechanical noob to get in big rush and not pay attention.

(Not calling you a noob, WickedMach1, just trying to cover all bases as some may be checking out this thread too.)