First and foremost, I love these things. I just took my set off the 99 and put them on the 07 this past weekend and it drives like a whole new truck. The rear doesn't bounce around all over the place. It's just awesome. Ok... but anyway... my question.

What do these traction bars actually do in terms of like the physics of the whole thing. To me it simply seems like you are limiting the travel of the front half of the leaf spring... but I don't see how that would help like it does. Anyway who can offer up some explanation, I would appreciate it.

 

All they do is keep the axle from twisting(axle wrap).

This is axle wrap.

 

And some more.

 

^^Exactly.

I causes resistence for when the axle "wraps". When the axle "wraps", it's kicks the pinion upward or downward, can't remember. The Duff Bars limit the wrap.

 

i love mine, they hardly limit the flex in the rear.

 

heres an even better video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv6HZVv4GUo

 

your truck is hot Daniel :)

 

Whew buddy I see now...so basically if you dont get some traction bars then you could seriously tear some stuff up. Guess I need to get some quick since I like the pedal on the right :)

 

If you have enough torque you will, but I doubt stock engines can do that much damage like those videos.

 

I wouldnt think so either but I sure dont wanna test it lol...heck the bars dont cost as much as I thought they would...its just more money right? hahaha Im so broke

 

Oh yeah its better safe than sorry, for that price I'll be getting some as well. Lets see if the little 3.0 can test them haha...not

 

damn.. i been stuck before i can amagine my axle doing that.. now i know why i may have a carcked leaf spring.. my lower leafe (the small one on the bottom) is about a half an inch inward on the front side i think its cracked in the middle.. im gona take a look at it this wekend. im getting a weird creaking when the rear flexes.. i havent installed my bars yet but i might have to replace the leafe when i install the bars.. i dident know it was that extream of a twist..

 

Another question. Anyone know where you could pick up some new bushings for the Duff bars? I was slightly worried about mine when putting it on the 07, but they seem to be working fine.

Still would like to replace them before too long though. Just to make sure things stay tight.

Is that something that can be picked up at Autozone or the like?

 

just 4 link it

oh wait... Duff probably sells them separate.

 

I plan on 4 linking the 99. Not the 07 though... yet. Haha.... maybe once I win the lottery.

 

you can get new bushings from JD, i think they are around $15.

 

Replacement Bushings for James Duff Traction Bars for Rangers 98+
Part No. #5309
$14.50

(E-mailed JD and they got back to me in 1 hour).

 

do they make traction bars for 94 ranger

 

yes

www.jamesduff.com

 

Search dammit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!jk

The bars.

 

holy crap there 339 bucks wow i want the cheap on but there for 98+ ranger

 

am i looking at the right one?

 

whattt?!?!

they are only $80 if i remember correctly.

 

No... if you look they actually only have the $89.99 ones for 98+ Rangers... and BIIs.. Not sure why they wouldn't work on a 97 and down model but never looked at the rear of a 97 or lower model I guess.

Granted you have some on yours and you have a 97 Daniel. So maybe you can clarify for us.

 

james duff doesn't know anything about the rangers.

they think all 98+ rangers have the 31 spline axle with the larger housing.

the bars on my truck were ordered for an 03 and fit my truck fine.

i did some how manage to bend one of my bars at the threaded part, im not sure how.