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What Are CalTracs and How Do They Work?
If you’ve ever been frustrated by wheel hop or traction loss when launching your leaf-spring car or truck, you’ve probably heard about CalTracs. CalTracs traction bars are a well-known suspension upgrade that dramatically improve traction and stability for vehicles with leaf spring setups—especially muscle cars, classic trucks, and drag racers.
At their core, CalTracs are a specially designed traction bar system that prevents your axle from rotating during hard acceleration. This rotation is the main culprit behind dreaded wheel hop and inconsistent launches. By controlling this motion, CalTracs help your tires maintain solid contact with the pavement, which means more power to the ground and better performance on both street and strip.
How CalTracs Traction Bars Work: Breaking It Down
Let’s look at the basic mechanics in simple terms:
- Leaf spring suspensions rely on a stack of metal strips (the leaf springs) that flex as your vehicle moves. When you accelerate hard, your axle tries to twist (called “axle wrap”), which can make your tires lose grip and begin to hop.
- Traditional traction bars usually mount below the axle to limit this twisting, but they can add weight and sometimes bind up the suspension, hurting ride quality.
- CalTracs take a smarter approach. They use a unique mounting system with adjustable rods and bushings, transferring the rotational force into the chassis more efficiently and without hurting ride quality.
Key Components of the CalTracs System
- Vertical Bracket: Attaches to the front leaf spring eye, providing a solid mounting point.
- Pivot Plate: Mounts on the axle and connects to the bar, controlling the forces.
- Adjustable Link (Bar): Runs beneath the leaf spring, connecting bracket and pivot, and can be adjusted for preload or firmness.
- High-Quality Bushings: These reduce flex and maintain system alignment.
- Hardware Kit: Includes all the nuts, bolts, and washers needed for installation.
The Benefits of Installing CalTracs
CalTracs are popular because they work, bringing several key benefits:
- Superior Traction: No more spinning or hopping on launches—power goes straight to the pavement.
- Consistent Launches: Your car or truck will hook up the same way, run after run.
- Easy Adjustability: Quickly fine-tune the system for drag racing, street driving, or different road conditions.
- Preserved Ride Quality: Unlike some traditional traction bars, CalTracs don’t stiffen up your suspension unnecessarily.
- Durability: Built to handle serious horsepower, these bars are a favorite in racing and street performance communities.
- Bolt-on Design: Most applications don’t require welding or permanent modifications, making them easy to install and remove.
Step-by-Step: How to Install and Set Up CalTracs
Getting the most out of CalTracs starts with a proper installation and correct adjustment. Here’s a walkthrough in simple, easy-to-follow steps:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
- CalTracs traction bar kit (specific to your vehicle)
- Wrenches and socket set
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Torque wrench
- Marker or chalk
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
- Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts and raise the vehicle with a jack. Secure with jack stands under the frame.
3. Remove the Front Leaf Spring Bolt
- Using two wrenches, remove the bolt/nut holding the front spring eye of the leaf spring.
- Gently lower the spring eye until it’s free.
4. Install the CalTracs Front Bracket
- Place the CalTracs bracket over the front spring eye.
- Reinstate the spring eye into the bracket’s cradle.
- Insert the supplied bolt and loosely fasten. Don’t fully tighten yet.
5. Mount the Axle Pivot Plate
- Unbolt the U-bolts holding your axle to the leaf spring (support the axle to prevent movement).
- Slide the CalTracs pivot plate between the spring and axle.
- Reinstall the U-bolts and tighten to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.
6. Attach the Adjustable Bar
- Connect the bar (adjustable link) from the axle pivot plate to the front bracket.
- Adjust the bar so there is no gap and it’s not under tension with the vehicle at rest.
7. Set Initial Preload
- Preload is the adjustment that determines how firmly the bar presses upward on the spring (helping plant the tires).
- For street use: Start with zero preload (no upward tension).
- For drag racing: Add a half to one full turn of preload for more aggressive launches.
- Secure all hardware and double-check torque values.
8. Test and Fine-Tune
- Lower the vehicle, test drive, and listen for noises.
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Re-adjust the bar if needed for best traction or better ride comfort.
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Tip: Always re-check your installation after the first few drives. Bolts can settle and may need a re-torque.*
Adjusting and Dialing in Your CalTracs for Maximum Performance
Tuning your CalTracs is what sets them apart. Here’s how to optimize the setup for your needs:
For Drag Racing
- Start with a small amount of preload (¼ to ½ turn).
- Have someone watch the rear tires as you launch—look for even squat and no wheel hop.
- Increase or decrease preload based on your 60-foot times and tire feedback.
For Street and Daily Driving
- Zero preload is usually best for comfort and quietness.
- If wheel hop still sneaks in, add a tiny bit of preload.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-tightening: Too much preload can bind the suspension and hurt ride quality.
- Under-tightening: Too little and you won’t get the full traction benefit.
- Ignoring noises: Squeaks or clunks often mean something isn’t lined up or tightened correctly.
- Neglecting regular checks: Suspension hardware settles over time—check bolts regularly, especially after hard use.
Challenges and Considerations When Using CalTracs
While CalTracs offer significant advantages, it’s good to be aware of potential challenges:
- Not a cure-all: If your leaf springs or bushings are worn out, even the best traction bars won’t fix deep suspension issues.
- Clearance issues: Very low vehicles or custom setups may require trimming or customized brackets.
- Installation time: A first-time install usually takes about 2-3 hours, but can take longer if bolts are rusted or access is tricky.
- Adjustment learning curve: Getting the perfect adjustment might take several test runs and tweaks.
Cost Considerations and Shipping Advice
Expected Costs
- CalTracs kits generally range from $350 to $500, depending on your vehicle and options (like heavy-duty versions).
- Professional installation can add another $100-$200 if you prefer not to DIY.
- Shipping costs will vary based on your location and the vendor, but most reputable dealers offer reasonable rates for ground shipping.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Look for bundled deals (sometimes sold with upgraded leaf springs or bushings for package savings).
- Check if vendors offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Consider shopping during seasonal sales events (popular around the start of racing season or major holidays).
Practical Tips and Best Practices for CalTracs Owners
- Read your instructions thoroughly before starting—each vehicle can have unique steps.
- Upgrade bushings in your leaf springs as needed (worn bushings can hurt performance and cause noise).
- Check clearances before bolting everything down—make sure there’s room around exhaust, fuel lines, and shock mounts.
- Keep hardware tight: Use a torque wrench and follow recommended specs.
- Mark adjustment bars with paint or a marker, so you can track any movement over time.
- Inspect regularly: After aggressive use, double-check your CalTracs system—daily checks before racing are a good habit.
- Don’t overtighten: Too much preload can ruin ride quality. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
- Document your adjustments: Write down what settings work best for different tracks or street conditions.
Summary: Are CalTracs Worth It?
If you want to banish wheel hop, launch harder, or simply make your classic muscle car or truck more fun on the street, CalTracs are a clear winner. Their bolt-on, adjustable design makes them accessible to most hobbyists, and they’re a staple in performance and racing communities for a reason. With careful installation and smart tuning, CalTracs will help you put more of your engine’s power down to the pavement, run after run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What vehicles can benefit from CalTracs traction bars?
CalTracs are designed for vehicles with leaf spring rear suspensions. This includes many classic muscle cars, hot rods, and trucks. They are especially useful for vehicles with traction problems or those used in drag racing.
2. Do I need any special tools to install CalTracs?
Most installations can be completed with standard hand tools—wrenches, sockets, a torque wrench, and a floor jack. No welding is required for most vehicles, making them a true bolt-on upgrade.
3. Will CalTracs make my ride uncomfortable or noisy?
Properly installed and adjusted, CalTracs maintain your vehicle’s ride quality. In fact, they’re less intrusive than many traditional traction bar setups. If you hear noise or experience harshness, check your bushings and adjustment; something may be off.
4. How do I know if I’ve set the right amount of preload?
Start with zero preload for daily driving. If you launch and still get wheel hop, add preload in small increments. The right setting will eliminate hop without making the ride harsh. It may take a few tries to find your ideal adjustment—this is normal.
5. Can I use CalTracs with other suspension upgrades?
Yes! CalTracs work well with upgraded leaf springs, performance shocks, and poly bushings. Just ensure everything is compatible and in good condition. Upgrading worn-out parts at the same time is often a smart move for best results.
By following these guidelines, you’ll unlock the full potential of your leaf-spring suspension, whether on the street or the drag strip. CalTracs are a tried-and-true tool to maximize traction, consistency, and driving fun. Happy tuning!