What's better traction bars or new leafs for preventing axel wrap?

[Zebo]

I have a f350 which is chipped and propaned for about 600 ftlbs of tourqe. Has a 6" lift and 38"s. It has a block lift in rear and and for years it's been great but lately axle wrap is so bad transfer case hits body at shift points and off road which I do a lot. I figure I need to fix this before I leave drive line on the road or something. So what's a better way to fix axle wrap? My friend says get rid of the block and go full leafs like from Deaver. Blocks cause axle wrap. I could also leave it as is and put traction bars on it.

 

[kornphlake]

The right way to do a lift is with new leaf springs, an okay way to do a lift is with longer shackles, blocks are about the worst way to do a lift, but they're the cheapest and most common. Traction bars will most likely limit articulation, and don't really solve the problem of using blocks for the lift. I'd go with new springs.

 

[Zebo]

The rear only needed a 1" block and new add a extra leaf back in 01 when I bought truck and installed lift. Way these trucks sat, was about 3" low in front and kit leveled it out wit new front springs and a little adda block/extra spring in rear.

However Ford came stock with a 4" block making about 5" total of blockage in rear. Skyjacker/Deaver gets rid of both and takes spring all the way down to axle.

More I think about it my springs are shot anyway since I did not have this problem for years so I need to do something before the u joints explode. Thanks.

Hope I don't have to buy both... springs alone are $800...then traction bars are another $600 for good articulation ones.

 

[skyking]

I'd say bars, since they will preserve what ride quality you have. If you got the leafs stiff enough to handle the geometry, it would probably suffer in ride quality.

 

[Throckmorton]

Blocks suck, I would get new springs and slightly longer shackles to allow for the longer suspension range.

 

[compman25]

Deavers make for a nice ride, most likely better than it rides now. But they are spendy.

 

[Bartman39]

The right way to do a lift is with new leaf springs, an okay way to do a lift is with longer shackles, blocks are about the worst way to do a lift, but they're the cheapest and most common. Traction bars will most likely limit articulation, and don't really solve the problem of using blocks for the lift. I'd go with new springs.

X2...:thumbsup:

Mud guys around here have long since learned blocks create problems... For a "just for looks" truck they are fine otherwise do it right...

 

[Zebo]

I went ahead and purchased some deaver soft ride rear springs yesterday..see how it goes. I'd like to get a new truck but maybe I get a couple more hundred thou out of her. And new ones you can't mod legally. Such as EGRs and particle collectors which shut down mileage on diesels. I get over 20 new ones get around 15. Stick with 7.3 for now. Thanks

 

[herm0016]

7.3 is a great motor. Agree with above, blocks suck. The new springs will be nice.

 

[Zebo]

Hey guys put new springs and shocks on her today and GTG. No axel wrapping and very happy with articulation.

Only issue was u bolts in kit were way too long so I had to break out die grinding which is always fun

Notice all the way to axel... no 4" block ford provides stock no extra block!'

Going hunting tomorrow and add some serious 4x4ing to it. I also put an air locker in the front dana 60 which I've been wanting to do. I'll let you know.

Could not be happier so far. thanks!



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