This sounds alot like a conversation I heard I michigan once apon a time![]()
oh man dont get us started.


So how do we calculate the anti-squat? The torque on the bar is a function of the driveshaft torque, gear ratio, stiffness of the springs, etc., but on any given truck it's pretty much constant. That is - the balance between squat from weight transfer and anti-squat from the bar. So for this fixed torque, the force on the end is a function of its length. The longer the bar, the less lift.
Could be the pic but it looks like your lower mount is at or above the axle centerline. Oh crap here we go![]()

Curious if one of these would work on our heavy ass trucks or if it would just break with some use...
-----> Bam Bar
Looks like a pretty good idea to me judging by the geometry and the way it works.
You are correct, and you can calculate the antisquat by doing the normal 4 link diagram, except instead of doing the 4 links, you just place your IC at the point where that shackle attaches to the crossmember. Or, to make it quicker, just use the 4 link calculator, but make the links (both upper and lower), attach at exactly the same point in the front, which is also exactly where your joint is on the crossmember. The rear of the links can be wherever your traction bar attaches to the crossmember. Side to side it doesn't matter, you can just make them exactly where they are, or split them apart, just keep them parallel with each other and the vehicle in the calculator. The main thing is, with a traction bar or ladder bar (radius arm), the IC is fixed a the point where it attaches to the frame. Whereas with a 4 link, the IC moves with the angles of the links as the suspension cycles. And the IC can be changed drastically front to back with small changes in the angles of the links. That's one reason it's called the IC, becuase with a 4 link, it's only correct for that instant, once the suspension moves, it's a different instant, and a different instant center. Not so with a traction bar.
Also, one note, I would of put the ballistic joint on the bar, not the crossmember, then when the bar wants to rotate with the axle, it doesn't also want to turn the whole shackle, and try to move over at the same time. However, if it does want to move sideways, it can a little bit easier now. It's a trade off. I would just run it now, it probably has enough flex in the bushings it doesn't matter.
Nice work.
He's got it all braced as one big unit in the middle, so it's all good...![]()
The bottom bolt is basically at the axle centerline. I assume you are talking about the tubes being in tension or compression? It shouldn't matter since the whole bar is like one giant mass. Those are the RuffStuff brackets, which tie the two bushings together directly. Then there is the center plate between them, as noted.Could be the pic but it looks like your lower mount is at or above the axle centerline.
I thought about it both ways and finally decided that articulation would be better this way. The sideways shackle movement will affect the pinion angle, but the joint only goes 15 degrees each way. That's 0.14" height change, which is like .2 degrees at the pinion. The end of the bar wants to go sideways as the axle articulates.folkenheath said:Also, one note, I would of put the ballistic joint on the bar, not the crossmember, then when the bar wants to rotate with the axle, it doesn't also want to turn the whole shackle, and try to move over at the same time. However, if it does want to move sideways, it can a little bit easier now. It's a trade off. I would just run it now, it probably has enough flex in the bushings it doesn't matter.
I thought about it both ways and finally decided that articulation would be better this way. The sideways shackle movement will affect the pinion angle, but the joint only goes 15 degrees each way. That's 0.14" height change, which is like .2 degrees at the pinion. The end of the bar wants to go sideways as the axle articulates.
You can google the term instant center and read up. Whether your links are tubes, springs, rods, etc., if more than one is attached to an axle, it rotates around a point which is not at a specific bushing or joint. The combination of pivot points and the geometry has it rotating somewhere else.What is IC?
and could you explain it a little?
I'm trying to understand what you guys are saying, but my small brain big body is making it very difficult to understand.
I installed the Off Road Design rear traction bar, welded everything in and then did a real stupid thing! I raised the rear up 1" inch. STUPID!!!!!!!!
You are correct, and you can calculate the antisquat by doing the normal 4 link diagram, except instead of doing the 4 links, you just place your IC at the point where that shackle attaches to the crossmember. Or, to make it quicker, just use the 4 link calculator, but make the links (both upper and lower), attach at exactly the same point in the front, which is also exactly where your joint is on the crossmember. The rear of the links can be wherever your traction bar attaches to the crossmember. Side to side it doesn't matter, you can just make them exactly where they are, or split them apart, just keep them parallel with each other and the vehicle in the calculator. The main thing is, with a traction bar or ladder bar (radius arm), the IC is fixed a the point where it attaches to the frame. Whereas with a 4 link, the IC moves with the angles of the links as the suspension cycles. And the IC can be changed drastically front to back with small changes in the angles of the links. That's one reason it's called the IC, becuase with a 4 link, it's only correct for that instant, once the suspension moves, it's a different instant, and a different instant center. Not so with a traction bar.
Also, one note, I would of put the ballistic joint on the bar, not the crossmember, then when the bar wants to rotate with the axle, it doesn't also want to turn the whole shackle, and try to move over at the same time. However, if it does want to move sideways, it can a little bit easier now. It's a trade off. I would just run it now, it probably has enough flex in the bushings it doesn't matter.
Once you're willing to get into the design of all of this (AS, IC, etc), why not look into linking the rear instead?