Traction Bars for 2019+ Silverado/Sierra 1500s

[R Curtis]

Has anyone found traction bars for the 2019-present 1500s? I had them on my last truck (2007 model), and I'm trying to find some for my 2021 Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71. I could adapt a pair made for previous models, or fabricate some from scratch. However, that would be my last resort if absolutely necessary.

 

From my prior experience, I know how much traction bars can improve overall ride quality by eliminating axle wrap. Axle wrap contributes considerably to 'buck-boarding' and wheel-hop on bad roads and broken pavement (ie; washboard dirt roads and pot holes).

[Silverado4x4]

5 hours ago, R Curtis said:

Has anyone found traction bars for the 2019-present 1500s? I had them on my last truck (2007 model), and I'm trying to find some for my 2021 Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71. I could adapt a pair made for previous models, or fabricate some from scratch. However, that would be my last resort if absolutely necessary.

 

From my prior experience, I know how much traction bars can improve overall ride quality by eliminating axle wrap. Axle wrap contributes considerably to 'buck-boarding' and wheel-hop on bad roads and broken pavement (ie; washboard dirt roads and pot holes).

Traction bars do nothing what your saying they do except axle wrap and you do not have the HP and traction to give you axle wrap.

Edited April 13, 2022 by Silverado4x4

[shakenfake]

What are you talking about? Traction bars DO eliminate wheel hop that is caused by axle wrap.

 

But yeah you don't need them lol and really it will worsen ride quality because of the stiff rear end.

[Silverado4x4]

You need to read his post again. Traction bars ONLY come into play under quick take offs and good traction where the axle will try and twist the leaf spring, he is saying driving down the road and getting axle hop on bad roads etc that is rear shocks being too soft and the tires losing contact with the road giving him wheel hop. I ran over top leaf spring traction bars when I had 42" tires on my 87 Silverado due to the traction and leverage of the tall tires just to keep everything in check when mud running and off road. I still had wheel hop from time to time spinning the tires to fast in dirt and mud when I wasn't in 4WD but that was eliminated when I went to a dual shock on each corner.

Edited April 13, 2022 by Silverado4x4

[shakenfake]

Ah I understand now

Yeah that ain't happening lol

[Silverado4x4]

2 hours ago, shakenfake said:

What are you talking about? Traction bars DO eliminate wheel hop that is caused by axle wrap.

 

But yeah you don't need them lol and really it will worsen ride quality because of the stiff rear end.

Double post

Edited April 13, 2022 by Silverado4x4

[pokismoki]

you might run into traction issues when you tune out the TM on the transmission,  the TM covers up traction issues on the stock truck to where there is no need for traction bars..

[clowe1243]

I'm running the RECOIL Traction Bars by BDS, but only because I'm running 37s.  I just checked the price, and they are almost twice as much as I paid for them in 2020.  With stock tire size, doubtful any wrapping will occur unless we are going from a dig and launching with a ton of grip.  And to be totally honest, dont know what the ride is like without them; My Avalanche 2500 definitely needed them when towing, so I didn't want to wait another 3 months for something else to arrive before I installed my lift.

[R Curtis]

On 4/13/2022 at 7:03 AM, Silverado4x4 said:

Traction bars do nothing what your saying they do except axle wrap and you do not have the HP and traction to give you axle wrap.

I don't know where you get the impression that the 3.0L Duramax doesn't have the power to create wheel hop. I'm running 35s, and the 460fp of torque at 1500 rpm can easily break the tires free from a dead stop on any surface.  Additionally, axle wrap isn't just an issue for higher horsepower vehicles with leaf springs. Hitting even minor bumps under acceleration can cause axle wrap and a resulting rebound that amplifies the bounce and jolt. Even up/down shifts of the transmission cause some degree of axle wrap and rebounding. 

 

I'm also looking for some better rear shocks. As you mentioned, that could very well be a contributing factor in my situation. The stock Z71 Ranchos are pretty disappointing to be honest...

 

As I said in my original post, I've had traction bars on previous trucks, so I do have some experience running with/without them. When properly set up, they don't bind up or make the ride any stiffer, but they sure do help smooth out the typical ride characteristics of leaf springs and make the truck feel more connected and stable.

Edited April 20, 2022 by R Curtis
Spelling

[R Curtis]

6 minutes ago, R Curtis said:

I don't know where you get the impression that the 3.0L Duramax doesn't have the power to create wheel hop. I'm running 35s, and the 460fp of torque at 1500 rpm can easily break the tires free from a dead stop on any surface.

With that said, let me clarify that the baby Duramax isn't "fast" in terms of 0-60mph time. However, all that low end torque is immediately available from a dead stop, which makes it pretty darn quick (and fun) off the line...