Need axle wrap help.

[doghows72]

I'm new to the site, but have read it for a long time. I just saw the Duffs new traction bar. I need something like this bad. Any advise on this piece?
Is making my own a possibility? Thanks for any help...

 

[73stallion]

it looks like a good system to me. a lot of people do make their own, i have an idea i'd like to try out some day. can you weld? that makes all the difference.

 

[doghows72]

I can stick thing together, but for this I think I would want something strong. I don't know if my welds would hold up or not.

 

[73stallion]

me too. you want to be careful welding on an axle tube anyway, you can weaken it.

 

[MAYHEM]

That thing looks awesome!! I saw it in person on my vaction, that is definitely the answer to my problems. I tried several other routes, but all seem to limit my droop.

 

[cracker]

what springs are you using? I use the 3.5" leafs from Wildhorses, a 351W and 35's. I don`t have any wrap at all. And those that have seen me run, know I have a hot foot on occasion. %)

 

[Big Nuf]

I run WH(5.5") springs as well. Lots of hammer time on them and no wrap here either.

 

[todcolvin]

The only problems I have had with axle wrap have been due to loose or stretched u-bolts. The stock u-bolts are weak and puny. Wild horses sells a great HD u-bolt kit that includes huge u-bolts and a thick top plate---very nice.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I have severe axle wrap problems with springs that don't flex. I am using the heavy duty u-bolts by Superlift, my springs are Superlift also (*don't get them, they don't flex!)

The Duff traction bar is not a new idea. They have been available in the Jeep community for years. I'm pretty wary of the bushings in it. They won't flex nearly as well as a heim joint will. They're charging a little too much for it IMO, but it's certainly not terrible. I've seen them advertised for a CJ7 in the $200 range, but that was before the price hike in steel.

I'm opting to build my own, using the design shown on the LEBC website:
http://www.lonestar-ebc.com/Tech/TechItem.asp?TechId=7

I'm guessing that I can do it in a day, and about $100 or so in material. I'll use tractor joints to keep costs down. I don't see the need for precision joints for this particular application. I'll do a short writeup on it when I get around to putting it together.


Here's another clever idea. Get a traction bar (like the WH wrap trap) and long shock mounting (like the Duff Stage 2 getup) all in one fabrication job.
http://www.lonestar-ebc.com/Tech/TechItem.asp?TechId=12

If you can weld, even if you're not great at it, this is a pretty low risk item to learn to fab. IF it breaks, you unbolt it. It won't keep you from getting home. Dive on in guys,
[waterboy voice] You Can Do EEEET!!![/waterboy voice]