Anyone using a lift/traction bar?
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by 7t2vette
I also have a lowered car with a full VBP suspension kit, so thats why I am wondering about ground clearance. When I get it, I will install it and post some pics.
Here is a PDF of the installation instructions:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/7t2...cs/ssm_bar.pdf
Here is a PDF of the installation instructions:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/7t2...cs/ssm_bar.pdf
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 923
Likes: 164
From: Hudson NH
Originally Posted by gkull
Mark, I know that you have one of the most powerful Vette street machines on the forum and I have heard your sound byte years ago. So you have solved problems way above mine.
correct me if I'm wrong. This Vette traction bar just limits or holds the alignment of the front of the differential? I years ago just installed the top poly snubber so I can only have limited differential movement. i also years ago induced cracks in the rear differential cover and had to upgrade to the HD unit. with my poly snubber or even if you went with solid aluminum disk, would you still require a traction bar?
correct me if I'm wrong. This Vette traction bar just limits or holds the alignment of the front of the differential? I years ago just installed the top poly snubber so I can only have limited differential movement. i also years ago induced cracks in the rear differential cover and had to upgrade to the HD unit. with my poly snubber or even if you went with solid aluminum disk, would you still require a traction bar?
It does hang low -- it is the lowest point underneath my car. Before I installed the offset control arms and 7" wheels, I ran a 225/60-15 tire on the factory 6" ralley wheels. I bottomed out several times. First time it happened on a big, rolling dip in the highway, resulting in a shuddering crash that caught my attention! I've yet to bottom out w/ the taller 255/60-15 tires.
Here is the only picture I have at hand. Unfortunately its a dead-on rear shot and doesn't show how low it hangs.
To your question about eliminating wheel hop -- I think it can be done w/o a lift/drag bar, but is easier accomplished with one. Don't forget the Tom's Differentials crossmember weld-in stiffening pieces.
Mark
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The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by 63mako
The body is lowered. The suspension makes no difference on the clearance on this bar. The clearance between the pumpkin and the ground don't change when you drop the car. The only thing that would affect it is tire diameter. I haven't had any issues with ground clearance. Anything my sidepipes will clear this will clear.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by 7t2vette
Huh? The only way for the body only to be lowered is to alter the amount of body mount shims and/or spacers. My car is lowered on the suspension; shorter coils in front, and longer bolts in the rear, so that will definately make the lift bar hang quite low under the car.
brain fart!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by 7t2vette
Huh? The only way for the body only to be lowered is to alter the amount of body mount shims and/or spacers. My car is lowered on the suspension; shorter coils in front, and longer bolts in the rear, so that will definately make the lift bar hang quite low under the car.
Originally Posted by 63MAKO
Right, brain fart!
brain fart!
Those SSM traction bars on are ebay for aprox $120 (type in "traction bar" and go to the bottom in the ebay stores)
I'll wait to see how low my car sits and how bad the wheel hop is then decide. Until then, any feedback & pics would help aid in the decision process. Anyone install the newest draglink setup? how's it working & pics?
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From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
I was lucky to get mine for $39 it seems!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...EWA%3APIC&rd=1
I will post some good pics once I get it installed.
The seller I bought it from apparantly has another for sale, also for $39!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?..._promot_widget
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...EWA%3APIC&rd=1
I will post some good pics once I get it installed.
The seller I bought it from apparantly has another for sale, also for $39!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?..._promot_widget
Last edited by 7t2vette; Sep 12, 2006 at 10:56 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
I looked into the Southside bar when I was racing the '64 and kept breaking parts.
In reality, all the SSM bar does is stabilize the pumpkin because the rubber bushing let it move about which has an effect on tire grip and traction. It's not anything like a set of "slapper bars" used on leaf spring vehicles that resist spring wind-up. It does cost ground clearance and it is in the way of those exhaust systems that cross over in front of the rear axle.
There is a better way that is lighter, has no ground clearance issues, and improves all handling, is cheaper, and it's marketed by Guldstrand Motorsports and it's called a rear end locating kit.
They're on my '64 and really firm up the rear. When I initially installed the set, I found that on a launch, the U-joint would rub the body pan. I added two fender washers (under the small donut) and the problem was solved.
In reality, all the SSM bar does is stabilize the pumpkin because the rubber bushing let it move about which has an effect on tire grip and traction. It's not anything like a set of "slapper bars" used on leaf spring vehicles that resist spring wind-up. It does cost ground clearance and it is in the way of those exhaust systems that cross over in front of the rear axle.
There is a better way that is lighter, has no ground clearance issues, and improves all handling, is cheaper, and it's marketed by Guldstrand Motorsports and it's called a rear end locating kit.
They're on my '64 and really firm up the rear. When I initially installed the set, I found that on a launch, the U-joint would rub the body pan. I added two fender washers (under the small donut) and the problem was solved.
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Thread Starter
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by toddalin
There is a better way that is lighter, has no ground clearance issues, and improves all handling, is cheaper, and it's marketed by Guldstrand Motorsports and it's called a rear end locating kit.
They're on my '64 and really firm up the rear. When I initially installed the set, I found that on a launch, the U-joint would rub the body pan. I added two fender washers (under the small donut) and the problem was solved.
They're on my '64 and really firm up the rear. When I initially installed the set, I found that on a launch, the U-joint would rub the body pan. I added two fender washers (under the small donut) and the problem was solved.
Here is my setup:
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I have got to get a pic up here of the cool aluminum crossmember bushings that I lucked into with my dual-mount rear spring. Instead of just reinforcing it, they completely replace the rubber bushing with a stepped aluminum disc top and bottom.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
Originally Posted by 7t2vette
I have the VB&P version of that kit, but only with the two bigger discs that hold the diff crossmember in place. Where does the smaller disc go? Is it a replacemtnt for the diff bushing?
Thread Starter
The ORIGINAL and bestest
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From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
I have got to get a pic up here of the cool aluminum crossmember bushings that I lucked into with my dual-mount rear spring. Instead of just reinforcing it, they completely replace the rubber bushing with a stepped aluminum disc top and bottom.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
I have got to get a pic up here of the cool aluminum crossmember bushings that I lucked into with my dual-mount rear spring. Instead of just reinforcing it, they completely replace the rubber bushing with a stepped aluminum disc top and bottom.
7t2vette....nice undercarrage. very nice
I just got the traction bar from same seller as you for $39
If it works great, if it doesn't I can sell it or mod it. Good buy, thanks.
Thread Starter
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
I've got the VBP performance plus package which came with the two larger disks...not the stepped aluminum you speak of. I'd love to see pics.
7t2vette....nice undercarrage. very nice
I just got the traction bar from same seller as you for $39
If it works great, if it doesn't I can sell it or mod it. Good buy, thanks.
7t2vette....nice undercarrage. very nice
I just got the traction bar from same seller as you for $39
If it works great, if it doesn't I can sell it or mod it. Good buy, thanks.
That Ebay seller has yet another one for sale for $39!!! They must have a boatload of them sitting around!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by pef427
I'm interested in the discs as the bar is extremely heavy!
-P
-P
http://www.guldstrand.com/locate.htm
Depending what kit Batman is speaking of, I might just get the pinion disk since I already have the two large disks from VB&P.
Thread Starter
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
You can get the whole kit or just the pinion disk.
http://www.guldstrand.com/locate.htm
Depending what kit Batman is speaking of, I might just get the pinion disk since I already have the two large disks from VB&P.
http://www.guldstrand.com/locate.htm
Depending what kit Batman is speaking of, I might just get the pinion disk since I already have the two large disks from VB&P.
But did you notice that it says it is for 80-82 vettes? I wonder if it will work on my car as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by 7t2vette
But did you notice that it says it is for 80-82 vettes? I wonder if it will work on my car as well.
What the difference is b/w that setup and a 69 or 79 I'm not sure except for the batwing style but I thought the tongue mount (pinion) were similar throughout the years. Anyone know?
Thread Starter
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
Good point...must not work for them to state 80-82 only.
What the difference is b/w that setup and a 69 or 79 I'm not sure except for the batwing style but I thought the tongue mount (pinion) were similar throughout the years. Anyone know?
What the difference is b/w that setup and a 69 or 79 I'm not sure except for the batwing style but I thought the tongue mount (pinion) were similar throughout the years. Anyone know?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 1
From: Nederland Texas
Originally Posted by 7t2vette
But did you notice that it says it is for 80-82 vettes? I wonder if it will work on my car as well.
-P