Slide-a-link vs Cal-Trac

[BillC]

Since I'm going to be replacing my rear springs soon, I was thinking about installing one of these traction bar brands. I know some people have tried the Cal-Tracs -- how do you like them? Has anyone tried the Slide-a-Links? If so, how were they?

Has anyone done a comparison between the two brands? Any difference in quality, functionality, adjustability, durability, etc?

Thanks!

 

[jwaller]

I've used/installed 5 sets of caltracs and I can verify they work. can't say anything about the slide a link. but be forewarned, the caltracs do just what they were designed to do. lift the front and transfer weight. this isnt always a good thing with awd trucks. I used them bc my rear axel was wraping up so bad the yoke was hitting the floorboard. you just have to keep refining the suspension until it works for you.

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

Cal Tracs

Cal Tracs

forewarned, the caltracs do just what they were designed to do. lift the front and transfer weight. this isnt always a good thing with awd trucks.

John, could U elaborate on that ? I have a set of Cal Tracs still in the box and was leaving them to install later. I guess they are good 4 the track - so what's the downside on the street ?

I guess if U did a wheelie, that wouldn't be good, huh ? The front axles trying to drive while off the ground ?

 

[jwaller]

ya it gets kinda weird when u start to make more then about 400hp. thats when I think they become a problem on the ty's. the shorter wheelbase makes it easier. its not so much of a problem with sy's. the front lifts off and the xcase goes nuts and you lose a lot of speed.

you wont really ever have this issue on the street but it can show up on the track.

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

cal trac

cal trac

Thanx, John. In that case, since I have a TY and should have at least 500 HP, I guess I'll sell my Cal Trac kit.

Anyone interested ?

 

[jwaller]

I didnt say you should sell it. bc without it you will have severe axle wrapup problems and thats what caltracs solve for you.

I'm not totally sure there is any good way around this other than complete redesign of the rear suspension.

It's just a compromise. you need the axle control that caltracs give you. but you have to live with the lifting that they provide.

If your goin to stay with stock front end and have a heavy truck in the nose it wont be as bad in your case. but with mine and others who have gone with coilover front ends it's worse bc were a few hundred pounds lighter up front, making it easier for the caltracs to lift the nose, spin the tires and create some interesting launchs.

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

Cal tracs

Cal tracs

Ok, John, guess I'll hang on 4 awhile.

 

[bravadaguy]

I say if the caltracs work well enough to lift the frontend on launch, then you don't even need the awd anymore. Sad to say.....but true. There comes a time when awd can do no more for track performance. I suppose you could try front-drive import style preload bars on the rear of the truck at the track. This would help to distribute the weight more evenly.

 

[jwaller]

some of us believe that no matter how much power we make, if it's not awd then it's not a syty.

therefore I will run awd until I sell my truck even though at this point lifting the front off the ground is a regular problem. it can be solved with a good 3 or 4 link setup and remain awd, I just havent been able to afford that yet.

 

[Turbo6]

I love my caltracs! They seem to work best with a touch of preload in the left and 1 round in the right. They came with an upper and lower mounting hole but they were too close to the ground to use the lower so I cut it off and use the upper hole.

I was getting a little wheel hop at times and the caltracs solved it. 1.56 60' with $79 ea retread tires too. I think my worst 60' with these tires and caltracs is 1.63.