Traction bar modeling...

[Avery4jc]

I have some parts on the way to start building my traction bar but until they show up I figured I'd post up some progress pics of my model.
I normally have a couple minutes here and there during class so I've been working on it over the last week or so.

Obviously I'm still a noob on SolidWorks so if ya' can't tell what stuff is here is a break-down.
The square tubing is 1.5" .250" wall tubing
The brackets on the tube are these:

The sleeved bushings are these:

The joint is a 3" Ballistic Joint:

Here's my progress... I'm going to work on the crossmember tomorrow during class assuming I have a spare couple minutes.

Once the parts start rolling in and I make some progress I'll post up pictures.

 

[84zz4ss]

That looks great Avery. I have been collecting for my bar as well. Very similar design but I will be using a different forward mount. What have you done for a forward crossmember?

 

[Avery4jc]

The plan is to make a tube crossmember so that I can mount the traction bar close to the d-shaft which would push it close to the pumpkin. I'd like to get the bar as close to the center as possible to help reduce the amount it has to rotate when one tire is stuffed and the other is dropped out.
Once I get all my parts I'll see what I have for clearance.

 

[BGKYK5]

If you move the spherical joint to the bottom of the shackle and the bushing to the top, I would think it would better accomodate axle rotation.

 

[thatK30guy]

Looks good, A. Keep the progress coming and keep in mind that someone out there is gonna want you to make one for them.

 

[Avery4jc]

If you move the spherical joint to the bottom of the shackle and the bushing to the top, I would think it would better accomodate axle rotation.

Think so? I'll have to look into that. Ballistic said the joint is good to 34* but the more I can do to stop binding the better.

Looks good, A. Keep the progress coming and keep in mind that someone out there is gonna want you to make one for them.

Thanks. Once the parts show up and I get it built I'll take final measurements and modify the model so I'll have an exact replica. It might come in handy for people wanting to build one that's similar.


I had a couple minutes this morning in class so I put some hardware in it...

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

i would shoot the shackle up. and make it so the end on the bar is about where the yoke is for the rear case. and try to make the bar level as possible.

 

[bot0611]

I got a question

Why use a shackle?? wouldnt that be meaningless if you want to reduce axle wrap

Good work by the way

 

[BGKYK5]

Think so? I'll have to look into that. Ballistic said the joint is good to 34* but the more I can do to stop binding the better.

It's just a theory.


That way the whole shackle could rotate 34* side to side to accommodate axle movement, instead of just the bar rotating in the shackle.

 

[WAR WAGON]

Also to allow for rearward movement of the axle as the springs compress. If it were mounted without the shackle, the traction bar would counter act the natural (physical) movement of the axle.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

I got a question

Why use a shackle?? wouldnt that be meaningless if you want to reduce axle wrap

Good work by the way

A shackle is needed to prevent binding during articulation. A bar without a shackle won't allow the axle to move fore and aft during its normal arc of travel. The pictured setup won't allow the pinion to wrap up during acceleration, and allows for full range of motion through the suspension travel.

 

[YZEATER]

I got a question

Why use a shackle?? wouldnt that be meaningless if you want to reduce axle wrap

Good work by the way

because this is the proper way to make a traction bar. not those solid mounted ones you see on street trucks that make the suspension bind. the shackle lets the axle move in it's natural motion, yet doesn't let it twist up.

 

[Avery4jc]

It's just a theory.


That way the whole shackle could rotate 34* side to side to accommodate axle movement, instead of just the bar rotating in the shackle.

Hmmm, well I see what you're saying but it's not going to add any additional rotation so the way I look at it if the bar rotates between the shackle or the shackle/bar rotate around the joint 34* is 34*. Then again the only thing I know about anti-wrap bars is what I've read on Pirate so I could be wrong.

 

[chevysmithz71]

Keep the joint at the top.

 

[Chevy305]

subscribed

 

[Ten_Bucks]

Avery, I like that SolidWorks model you made. I'm learning SW myself and its pretty interesting what can be made with it.

Scott

 

[cegusman]

Only thing different I would do is bring the second support bar closer to the Ballistic Joint. Where you have it ending can cause the main bar to bend at that point.

 

[Avery4jc]

Only thing different I would do is bring the second support bar closer to the Ballistic Joint. Where you have it ending can cause the main bar to bend at that point.

I was looking at pictures to figure out how far to bring it forward so I just stuck it there for the time being.
Also, I noticed some guys run the full length bar on top, others on the bottom. I guess it wouldn't make a difference though would it? Possibly minor clearance differences but other than that I can't see it making a difference.

 

[Avery4jc]

Avery, I like that SolidWorks model you made. I'm learning SW myself and its pretty interesting what can be made with it.

Scott

Yep, I've done work on AutoCAD and MasterCAM and hands down Solidworks is the best IMO. I'm taking a class at my local city college. If you have the time (and they offer the program) I'd take an intro class some semester. It really is the best way to learn the program, plus as long as you're a student you get the full version to use at home.

 

[howdiy]

Only thing different I would do is bring the second support bar closer to the Ballistic Joint. Where you have it ending can cause the main bar to bend at that point.

Thats what I was thinking, other than that it looks awesome