Traction bar install

dieselfan1 · December 18, 2020

Got my Longhorn Fab Shop traction bars coming any day. I'm wondering if I should re- use the nuts on the u bolts or get new ones?

What's your opinion?

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HoosierZ · December 18, 2020

I would re-use them. I re-used my factory u-bolts and nuts with my traction bars. You could always use some blue loc-tite if you’re worried about the nuts loosening up.

IronVilkas · December 18, 2020

Re using the nuts is probably fine. I would definitely use new u bolts though. The u bolts get stretched and yield a bit when they are torqued correctly. If you do that again they will be weaker. Its up to you but most people will tell you they are a one use item.

lucas287 · December 18, 2020

I've taken u-bolts on and off probably a dozen times trying different configurations in leaf packs/trac bar install/etc.. and I've never had issues with them being TTY bolts. It's not as critical as a head bolt periodically throw a torque wrench on it if you're nervous.

dieselfan1 · December 19, 2020

I got them today.

The install instructions have no mention of new bolts or loctite.

I'm probably going to reuse them and loctite the piss out of the nuts.

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HoosierZ · December 20, 2020

Nice! Those Heim joints are massive. Now, hurry up and get them on.

dieselfan1 · December 20, 2020

Nice! Those Heim joints are massive. Now, hurry up and get them on.

Massive ain't the word .
They are humongous.
I painted them silver. That gold zinc coating is ugly.
Its cold here so this is definitely an inside job. I'm glad I have a buddy with a nice heated shop
I'm installing a GM Kicker subwoofer and new speakers in my buddy's shop so I'll probably get them on at the same time sometime in the next couple weeks.
The build continues....

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dieselfan1 · December 20, 2020

I got up to 36° today so I decided to toss them on.

Only problem was a exhaust hangar in the way .

Took the grinder to the bracket .

I have to say I was surprised how thin the frame is. At least right where the brackets go .

Took it for a test drive and noticed the difference the minute I pulled out of the driveway. It's planted. They look pretty good too.

I did notice a rattle noise so I have to go back and re tighten the main adjustment nuts on the heims.

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HoosierZ · December 21, 2020

Looks good! The 72” length was the right choice. The rattle could be from the clearance between the body and swivel of the Heim joints if the nuts are tight. If so, try preloading the bars to put some pressure against the joints. Did the joints feel tight out of the box? My joints are Teflon lined and they’re still tight after several years and they don’t rattle.
The frames are definitely thin on these trucks. Hopefully, they don’t rust through like Jeep frames. Time will tell.

dieselfan1 · December 21, 2020

Looks good! The 72” length was the right choice. The rattle could be from the clearance between the body and swivel of the Heim joints if the nuts are tight. If so, try preloading the bars to put some pressure against the joints. Did the joints feel tight out of the box? My joints are Teflon lined and they’re still tight after several years and they don’t rattle.
The frames are definitely thin on these trucks. Hopefully, they don’t rust through like Jeep frames. Time will tell.

I think I need to set more preload to ( make them longer)
I set them too short I think. I need more thread to show.

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dieselfan1 · December 21, 2020

I think I need to set more preload to ( make them longer)
I set them too short I think. I need more thread to show.

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I emailed Longhorn. I do need to make them longer. I went the other direction when I installed them. I'm going to back it in the garage ( well at least the ass end , it don't fit in the door too tall) and crank the bars the other direction. Make them 1/2" longer maybe more. Now that I know this for sure, I drove to the bank this morning and you can tell the rattle is because they are set too short.

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dieselfan1 · December 22, 2020

That was the cause of the rattle.
Drove over a railroad crossing near my house and they were silent. I increased the total length around 3/8" . I could go more if I need to but I think I have them dialed in for now.

I like them. I poured the coal to her from a dead stop with the traction control off for the first time since the lift was installed.
She lit them big ridge Grapplers right up. For a few feet.[emoji24]

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