How many of you are familiar with "Caltracs," the eminently well-regarded leaf suspension axle wrap control device marketed by Calvert Racing Suspensions? For those who aren't, they are basically a bolt-on modified 4-link that transforms a rear leaf suspension into a very solid race-proven platform for high performance applications, drag racing mostly. Torque-induced axle wrap can be a serious problem for modified diesel trucks. This solution excels at controlling leaf sprung rears as a lightweight, non-binding alternative to the traditional traction bars seen installed on some 4x4 vehicles, including everything from competition-focused trucks like sled pullers and drag racers to Joe Blow who wants to drive a cool truck with all the bells and whistles. I just make my own bells and whistles:



Bellcranks:




Couple views of a finished bar:




Rear mounts:




I haven't seen the commercial version of the late RAM model, but I understand it involves things like new U-bolts and pressing out spring eye bushings, etc. Mine are a pretty straightforward bolt-on by utilizing the shock mount with about a 6" offset to the bellcrank. The bellcranks fit in the front spring mounts the way I did it by grinding off about an eighth of an inch from the center tube of the bushing and shoehorning them in there. I ran a quick full-on launch test with these after finishing the install the other day and they held nicely, with the rear end feeling much more firmly planted than before.

 

looks interesting but what will 1200 ftlbs of torque do to already bent bars?

 

I guess you'd have to put them on a truck that makes 1200 ftlbs of tourque to find out.

 

looks good man. send them to me and ill let ya know if it will hold 900+

 

Thanks, Ed. One thing maybe needing clarified as far as strength or holding power is concerned: This is an "aid" to transfer the excess energy that would ordinarily start wrapping the springs in either an overpowered machine and/or one with realtively weak springs. The truck is designed to operate properly stock and for the most part does, including a 2x engineering factor built in. That means the stock springs are fine for stock power + some additional amount.

I have an extra 1 1/4" of lift block over stock which increases axle leverage against the springs somewhat, + a Smarty Jr. and just wanted a little insurance and a more compliant driveline. But from an engineering standpoint, they should easily hold anything the rest of the chassis is ever liable to stand up to.

 

i thought this was on the 91, ya threw me for a spin when u said Smarty

 

Im planning on running a torque arm. I can mount it out of veiw, so no one can see it. Did the same set up on a V8 S10 with stock leafs, and it woud hook hard, wheelies on 8" slicks.

 

Yep, it's amazing what a lttle torque management will do for a simple leaf spring suspension. You should see the over-the-top system I made for the 1st Gen:

http://1stgen.org/viewtopic.php?t=23...691073eb446e30

 

Good God, thats a lot of work. The way I do it is basicly a ladder bar, close to the diff, that runs to a small shackle on the driveshaft loop. The shackle allows front to back movement so it doesnt bind, but still limits spring wrap. Plants awsome, and Ive never had enough wheelspin to cause any hop. On the Diesel, I plan to run one on each side of the diff instead of a single because of the torque. Just to be safe.

 

That sounds like the rock crawler style, up high for ground clearance.