i am considering some traction bars because i read that for 100 dollars or less this upgrade can really improve performance? one thing i am wondering though .... i read that once installed the traction bar will firm up the ride and could possibly limit the travel of the rear suspension . i have the payload package which gave me the best torsion bars (1) i believe it is... also it firmed up the rear spring rates. So i'm wondering how rough will the ride be ? with camper shell and tools i carry about 500 pounds in the bed most the time and i think it rides just right. I like the firm ride even though i know it may not provide as good of traction off road as the softer springs.the firm ride seems to help with body roll too but i could be wrong ( my old s-10 had the worste body roll) . what i'm getting at is i don't want to firm it up in the back too much because i mostly drive in the city and i want to keep the good ride.

will the traction bar compromise travel on a stock truck ? i'm thinking maybe the travel is only effected if you have modified suspension with more travel and maybe the traction bar is to short to go through the full motion of the suspension?

do instructions come with the duff traction bars ? I looked for a tech with photo here and at off road rangers but i only find ones about modifying the traction bar to bolt up to 31 spline axle?i'm not really into working on trucks/cars and anything harder than a brake job and oil change is too tough for me. but its been along time since i've worked on a truck or had a truck worth that kind of effort . in the last 2 years i've been working as a plumber doing new construction so i am now very good at using tools, taking measurments, drilling holes and mounting things perfectly square. I think simple mods like the traction bars will now be pretty easy for me if i know what needs to get done! If anyone needs any plumbing done in so cal i will work for parts/ trade plumbing labor for auto labor/cash works too ! i bet a new jaquzzi tub might earn me a locking front end ! lol !

 

Properly installed, the over axle Duff Bars do not firm up the ride or affect the travel. They just reduce wheel hop and eliminate the Ranger slip-bump launch.

The installation is now easy and straightforward, even on late model Rangers. It is all bolt on except for drilling three holes in the spring hanger on each side. Just be sure to order the correct model for your year/axle.

 

the correct model for me would be the 5304 98+ small housing ?

the tag on my axle says 10885c17

 

That's exactly what I would order. The "large housing" model would be for the FX4 Level II only.

 

As Bob mentioned, when correctly installed, they don't affect travel or ride at all. Installation instructions do come with the kits. This might help you also:

http://www.generation-edge.info/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1642

Both ends of the bar are mounted into urethane bushings that allow the bar to articulate with the suspension. The pics in the how-to above will give you a good idea of how everything works.

 

great thank you !