how to set "pre-load" on traction bars

[toddyman88]

Ok........everythings cut out, welded up and paint is drying so tommorow morning the plates get welded to the axle and the others get bolted to the frame for my homemade traction bar project. Just FYI.... I did opt for the sch 80 thick wall pipe and all 1/2" plate brackets (doubles on back) with grade 8 3/4" hardware so I should be good.

My question prior to installing them is since I keep hearing that the adjustable links are what I needed to use so I could set the pre load on the bars. I assume I need the truck on a flat area (not in my steep driveway) prior to adjusting the bars so the rear end is in a relaxed state but how do I know how much tention or slack to have them in? Maybe just hook up the rear ends and bolt the fronts to the frame where ever they touch as long as both sides are set to the same legnth? I have the links threaded in half way on each end to allow for forward and back adjustment as needed.

Please let me know so I can wrap this up tommorow and (pardon the punn) and eliminate my axle wrap!

Thanks

[97 golden stroker]

[DCSpecial]

Where the upper and lower bolts line up with the mounts is where you want them. Truck on an even surface, weight on the suspension.

If you preload the bars a lot it will stiffen the suspension and ride poorly for daily driving.

[97 golden stroker]

so its like i was thinking to just try it and then go from that point?

[toddyman88]

Ok.....so do I not need to pay attention to the pinion angle in relationship to the angle of the short section of driveshaft comming into it? Seems right now that the pinion is looking up a little and that line is not straight between the pinion and the driveshaft. I was under the impression i was to legnthen the bars untill those two are as even as possable and leave it.

[DCSpecial]

Use the bars to set your pinion angle?

I wouldn't preload the bars to forcefully change the pinion angle....sounds like a good way for some binding and to risk braking the center pin on the leaf pack.

[toddyman88]

ok thats why I asked. So really no pre-load to do when installing the bars....guess im not missing anything. I will just put on the rears and bolt the fronts on where they land. Cant do it today the paint didnt get dry last night.
Thanks