I thought he meant grinding and slotting the bottom of the older 97-back brackets like you had to do to make them fit the newer 28-spline axle tubes. By the looks of them, I think the bottom of the newer bracket (like mine) has been improved for those with late style 28-spline axles and hardware. I can't say for sure though since I don't have that axle and had to slot mine anyway.

 

Ok, I obviously was confused.. you're saying that the brackets HAVE been redesigned to fit the spring plates without modification? If so, sweet!

 

Not exactly. I'm saying that the brackets are a different shape and they LOOK as though there would be less of a problem for the 28-spline axles than the earlier ones. I can't confirm that because I only have a 31-spline axle here. We need someone to chime in who has actually installed the newer type on a 28-spline.

 

rwenzing, will the James Duff Traction Bars (#5301 Classic) work on the 2001 Edge? if so what mods besides the spring plates might be needed to make them fit?

 

AFAIK, JD only lists their bars for 97-back. The earlier version of these needed the holes slotted and the edges beveled on the L-bracket at the spring plate. The newer version that came out about a year ago has a redesigned L-bracket that looks like it might fit the late 28-spline trucks better. I can't confirm that because my truck has the larger diameter 31-spline axle that only comes from the factory on the Level II's. So I still had to slot and bevel mine.

The front bracket has a very shallow bend in it to align with earlier trucks. IMO, it lines up better on current models if you flatten the bend with a hammer but some have successfully bolted them on without removing the bend.

Regardless, the mods require little in the way of time or tools to accomplish - round file, hammer and a bench grinder if available.

 

TY for the info...Got them ordered. Now I know what my next Mod will be. =)

 

Yes, you don't need different spring plates for sure. Some grinding is all that's required to make the brackets fit your 2001 Edge suspension, which is identical to my 2002 suspension. The bars I modified to fit my 31 spline axle were originally on my 28 spline axle.

 

FYI....this is what I got back from JD after placing my order:

There has been a price increase on those traction bars. They now are
$89.00. I apologize, we are currently updating our web site to get
this corrected. Please advise me as to whether or not you would like
to proceed with this order.

 

Wow - I paid $70.

 

They're still worth it.

 

Awe! Suckzilla! I knew I should've got a set of these things long ago..

 

Hey, it's $20 and the things last forever...who cares?

 

Me!

This from Mr Savabuck himself?!

 

IMO, the Duff bars have been underpriced from the beginning and they're still a good deal after the price increases. You won't find many aftermarket accessories for under $100 that actually make a substantial improvement to the performance of your truck.

 

Yeah I agree, I still got them coming. I needed another Mod weekend anyways =)

 

Ha ha! I am consistent in my inconsistency. You know, I wouldn't feel that way about them except I've been driving on them for 30K miles or so and I wouldn't want to be without them. When I first put the 35's on, I didn't have them on -- my gosh! What a difference when I got them back on. The 35's and 4.56 rear made axle wrap an ever present annoyance.

So, I've come to "value" them, lol.

 

rwenzing or n3elz, does the traction bar front bracket bolt to the back side of the spring hanger? Do you by chance have a close up pic you could post?

Thanks,

Rev

 

Sorry, I don't have a pic of the front bracket.

I tried to mount mine on the front of the hanger but the threads on the main arms were just a bit too short. So, mine are mounted on the back face the hanger.

 

That was the email i recieved last week. As well, reimplying the new price of the bars. But hey, i need them , and thats what they make credit cards for.

 

how long did it take youll to recieve them from JD? Just looking for a ETA.

 

I do, Rev, but I've got to find them -- "watch this space", lol.

Edit: This work for you? If not, sorry, but that's all I have, I believe.

 

That's just what I needed to see n3elz.... Thank's Rev. =)

 

Got mine in about 5 days from time of order...But that was to CA.

 

yea, i ordered them yesterday and they said they will ship asap, but im in florida, so im guessing that im lookin at late this week, maybe after 4th of july. *****, i wish i could have them by the end of next week though, 3 day weekend, and 3 days of offroadin!!!

 

Got my Bars installed today and I have to say its night and day difference in the ride quality. Im very satisfied with the time spent on the install and most importantly...No more clunk on acceleration....

Install notes:

You will need to flatten out the front brackets. I noted the way they had cut the brackets that they fit better if you swap out the drivers and Passangers side and flip them so that you have the two closer spaced bolt holes in the vertical next to the frame side of the hanger.

The rear brackets bolted right on with no modifications necessary. I do however think adding a second set of rear brackets on the inboard side, like rwenzing did, would be a good idea. Im trying to get a second set fab.