James Duff traction bars
#1
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Jackson, New Jersey
Posts: 4,872
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James Duff Traction Bars installed, pics and trail review
Since moving to a new area earlier in the year, I've been taking different routes to work. I've finally found one that has been working out well, however I get horrible wheel hop on a couple of the roads. I have wanted to get the traction bars for a while, so I figured this was as good a reason as any.
I haven't taken the truck out to those roads yet, but I did get to take it on the local trails. I went down the bumpiest trail I could think of which had a crap load of washboards and other bumps at 25 to 35mph. The truck did great, although I still lost the back end a quite a few times, it was incredibly easy to gain control again. When I tried to purposefully slide the rear out to the side, it didn't go out on me nearly as far as it used to. Under hard acceleration in the sand, the truck seemed to dig in less, which definitely helps.
Onto the pics:
Overall shot installed
Rear is mounted to the U-bolts
Front is mounted to the front spring support by a mounting plate and three bolts
Unnecessary trail shot.
I haven't taken the truck out to those roads yet, but I did get to take it on the local trails. I went down the bumpiest trail I could think of which had a crap load of washboards and other bumps at 25 to 35mph. The truck did great, although I still lost the back end a quite a few times, it was incredibly easy to gain control again. When I tried to purposefully slide the rear out to the side, it didn't go out on me nearly as far as it used to. Under hard acceleration in the sand, the truck seemed to dig in less, which definitely helps.
Onto the pics:
Overall shot installed
Rear is mounted to the U-bolts
Front is mounted to the front spring support by a mounting plate and three bolts
Unnecessary trail shot.
#6
I do really like mine now. Didn't like em at first....but now with dry pavement...I REALLLY notice the difference. Plus I have them set up tension pushing towards the rear.
JD might be selling them still. Youll have to give them a call. it was like $114 shipped with both style axle mounts....31spline & 28spline.
JD might be selling them still. Youll have to give them a call. it was like $114 shipped with both style axle mounts....31spline & 28spline.
#7
#8
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Jackson, New Jersey
Posts: 4,872
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They're apparently still making them, I called up and placed the order without a problem. It came out to be $116 shipped for me.
As for articulation, it didn't kill my ability to flex. Though its hard to tell, I'm flexing in that last pic without a problem.
After taking the truck down the nasty road I bought these for, I have to admit, they work great and really do eliminate the wheel hop.
As for articulation, it didn't kill my ability to flex. Though its hard to tell, I'm flexing in that last pic without a problem.
After taking the truck down the nasty road I bought these for, I have to admit, they work great and really do eliminate the wheel hop.
#11
#18
mine worked perfect in wharton, couldn't get wheel hop anywhere no matter how hard i tried, truck seems way more stable on the bumpy roads around here, i was dragging some really heavy logs today (im guessing 500-800 pounds) ad the rear tires stayed planted the whole time, also helps with trailer towing, truck doesn't seem to get shaken around every time the trailer hits a bump, overall im very happy with them
#19
James Duff traction bars - installed
I saw the JD post a few weeks ago and decided that for the price it was a good deal.
I ordered them and had them in 4 days. Parts were missing so I called. They said they would call back. They did'nt and so two days later I called them back. Well.. they *did* get the missing parts sent out that day... just did'nt return my call to let me know. No biggie since they did get the parts out asap.
I put them on yesterday and (having left my instructions at the office) I guessed at the front plates mounting. I put them on the front side thinking that the bolts would not be under tension when accelerating. And I've noticed that when you put weight in the bed the bars push fwd. I'll just need to play with preloads to figure out what I like. How do you guys preload yours?
Here are some pics at my WEB PAGE
I ordered them and had them in 4 days. Parts were missing so I called. They said they would call back. They did'nt and so two days later I called them back. Well.. they *did* get the missing parts sent out that day... just did'nt return my call to let me know. No biggie since they did get the parts out asap.
I put them on yesterday and (having left my instructions at the office) I guessed at the front plates mounting. I put them on the front side thinking that the bolts would not be under tension when accelerating. And I've noticed that when you put weight in the bed the bars push fwd. I'll just need to play with preloads to figure out what I like. How do you guys preload yours?
Here are some pics at my WEB PAGE
#23