Calvert/Caltracs traction bars issue
#1
10-18-2020, 09:50 PM
Calvert/Caltracs traction bars issue
Hi, newbie to the forum.
Been hanging around but, never posted until today.
Applicable info.:
1971 Camaro
Stock leaf springs
Viking double adjustable shocks
1980 Trans Am disc brake differential
4° shims (for proper pinion angle)
5 speed Tremec
Just installed a set of Calvert 2400 traction bars today. From what I understand, these bars should not change the original ride height so, imagine my surprise when we (me and 2 friends, both retired mechanics) set the car down and the rear of the car was between 1 to 1 1/2 inches higher than before!
We followed the instructions thoroughly, checking and re-checking everything but cannot understand why my car now has a rake when it sat perfectly level prior to install.
As instructed, we left the rear bushings loose and set the preload on a level concrete floor. Even drove the car to see if things might "settle" but no luck.
Going to call the manufacturer tomorrow, just wondered if someone ran across this issue before.
Any help appreciated.........
Gary
Been hanging around but, never posted until today.
Applicable info.:
1971 Camaro
Stock leaf springs
Viking double adjustable shocks
1980 Trans Am disc brake differential
4° shims (for proper pinion angle)
5 speed Tremec
Just installed a set of Calvert 2400 traction bars today. From what I understand, these bars should not change the original ride height so, imagine my surprise when we (me and 2 friends, both retired mechanics) set the car down and the rear of the car was between 1 to 1 1/2 inches higher than before!
We followed the instructions thoroughly, checking and re-checking everything but cannot understand why my car now has a rake when it sat perfectly level prior to install.
As instructed, we left the rear bushings loose and set the preload on a level concrete floor. Even drove the car to see if things might "settle" but no luck.
Going to call the manufacturer tomorrow, just wondered if someone ran across this issue before.
Any help appreciated.........
Gary
#2
10-24-2020, 08:46 AM
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: The 'Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 18,306
CalTracs are just glorified traction bars. They don't/can't jack the car up, with all else being the same as it was, other than the shims which wouldn't cause what you're experiencing. I would have suggested what you already tried with loosening the bushings etc. Have you tried disconnecting the shocks to make sure they aren't in a stuck position?
#4
10-24-2020, 02:59 PM
This height could happen because the springs were 're-arched' when no load condition.
You might add a couple bags of sand in trunk for helping settle springs.
You might add a couple bags of sand in trunk for helping settle springs.
#5
11-14-2020, 10:40 PM
Sorry I took so long to respond. Not used to navigating this site yet and didn't see the posted responses.
Anyway, my buddy had the the adjustment waaaay too tight! We're both retired (stone cold sober too) and probably should pay more attention to what we're doing. lol
As for them being a "glorified traction bar" I feel they're a bit more versatile than say, slapper bars. I know they sure took care of the wheel hop and gave me a bit more traction. Going to put new tires on next and see if I can pick up more.
Thanks for the feed back.
Gary
Anyway, my buddy had the the adjustment waaaay too tight! We're both retired (stone cold sober too) and probably should pay more attention to what we're doing. lol
As for them being a "glorified traction bar" I feel they're a bit more versatile than say, slapper bars. I know they sure took care of the wheel hop and gave me a bit more traction. Going to put new tires on next and see if I can pick up more.
Thanks for the feed back.
Gary
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