Dallas @ HSM: Single Cab 6.7

4EverBoosted1 · Jun 11, 2015

HS-MotorsportsDallas said:
I might just wait then. I'm not in a big hurry to do anything suspension wise other than getting a set of CalTracs on this thing so it will actually launch half decent and do rolling burnouts without feeling like you're bucking along I-70 through Colorado (worst road I have ever been on).

I have heard bad things about caltracs.. I used OUO bars on mine.

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HS-MotorsportsDallas · Jun 11, 2015

CalTracs seem to have a bad following with the 4wd guys. I have used them in multiple 2wd applications and love them. I'm really not a fan of long traction bars either for some reason. Just personal taste I guess.

swinky · Jun 11, 2015

My cal tracs suck dong. On a 4wd.

Kind · Jun 11, 2015

HS-MotorsportsDallas said:
I might just wait then. I'm not in a big hurry to do anything suspension wise other than getting a set of CalTracs on this thing so it will actually launch half decent and do rolling burnouts without feeling like you're bucking along I-70 through Colorado (worst road I have ever been on).

You won't be doing rolling burnouts. If it's set up right you'll be lucky if the tires break loose much past second gear. Now if you do a brake stand then yeah you'll roast them.

4EverBoosted1 said:
I have heard bad things about caltracs.. I used OUO bars on mine.

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I've heard that too. Never been an experience of mine or any other truck I have personally seen and talked with the owner that uses them.

Kind · Jun 11, 2015

HS-MotorsportsDallas said:
CalTracs seem to have a bad following with the 4wd guys. I have used them in multiple 2wd applications and love them. I'm really not a fan of long traction bars either for some reason. Just personal taste I guess.

That isn't a rule of thumb tho. I've seen a 10 second 4wd short box 6.4 get consistent 1.5's. I have also seen a 1000hp 4wd quad cab 5.9 long box dually launch great at the 1/4 mile and pull sleds really well with caltracs.

swinky · Jun 11, 2015

Kind said:
That isn't a rule of thumb tho. I've seen a 10 second 4wd short box 6.4 get consistent 1.5's. I have also seen a 1000hp 4wd quad cab 5.9 long box dually launch great at the 1/4 mile and pull sleds really well with caltracs.

Agreed. I can't figure mine out though. The axle is wrapping too much and making the cal tracs work too hard. I need new U bolts.

HS-MotorsportsDallas · Jun 11, 2015

swinky said:
Agreed. I can't figure mine out though. The axle is wrapping too much and making the cal tracs work too hard. I need new U bolts.

I think this may be an issue that a lot of people are running into. It takes some practice setting up a CalTrac system. I have been running them on race cars for almost 15 years now and I admit that it's not something you just throw on. I really think that where guys get in trouble is they try to pre-load them too much. On most applications I deal with, I like to start by turning the bar until the stop just touches the spring and then give it 1-2 flats pre-load. I hear guys saying they put 3-4 FULL TURNS on theirs. I can definitely see why they are having issues. My 1-2 flats is just a baseline and then I will adjust from there.

swinky · Jun 11, 2015

HS-MotorsportsDallas said:
I think this may be an issue that a lot of people are running into. It takes some practice setting up a CalTrac system. I have been running them on race cars for almost 15 years now and I admit that it's not something you just throw on. I really think that where guys get in trouble is they try to pre-load them too much. On most applications I deal with, I like to start by turning the bar until the stop just touches the spring and then give it 1-2 flats pre-load. I hear guys saying they put 3-4 FULL TURNS on theirs. I can definitely see why they are having issues. My 1-2 flats is just a baseline and then I will adjust from there.

Mine hops wayyyy bad with less pre load.

I'm getting too much axle wrap and it's just making the bar work too hard. The U bolts that come with the cal tracs are less than impressive. I'm having to run 3 full turns to keep the truck from bouncing like crazy.

bft blue oval boys · Jun 11, 2015

I can vouche for Swink. He smacked it one day when I was riding with him and the ass end let the ground multiple times. You could even see in the tire marks where it left the ground lol. Not to mention it rides like a hay wagon.

Strictly Diesel · Jun 11, 2015

That's what I've heard most about Caltracs, harsh ride.

Probably doing the OUO bars on mine.

Breaking Habits · Jun 11, 2015

Strictly Diesel said:
That's what I've heard most about Caltracs, harsh ride.

Probably doing the OUO bars on mine.

Agreed. OUO works on everything and improves ride

CAT35niner · Jun 11, 2015

Jared @ River City Diesel said:
Agreed. OUO works on everything and improves ride

I agree. I wasn't a believer til I got mine.

swinky · Jun 11, 2015

Jared @ River City Diesel said:
Agreed. OUO works on everything and improves ride

Remember when you told me to not get caltracs......... I'm sorry.

devdiesel · Jun 11, 2015

With my Caltracs set at zero preload just touching the springs I was able to cut consistent 1.8 60's. Tracks dead straight with zero hop. Keep in mid this is with only a 1200 rpm lauch in a 2wd shorty. With a looser converter it will launch better I'm sure

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swinky · Jun 11, 2015

devdiesel said:
With my Caltracs set at zero preload just touching the springs I was able to cut consistent 1.8 60's. Tracks dead straight with zero hop. Keep in mid this is with only a 1200 rpm lauch in a 2wd shorty. With a looser converter it will launch better I'm sure

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Using the sad excuse of a U bolt included in the kit?

devdiesel · Jun 11, 2015

You mean the ubolts supplied with the Caltracs? No I had a local spring shop make me a set because of the lowering flip kit, the ubolts supplied were to long... My pinion angle was set at 4 degrees and hasn't moved

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Kind · Jun 11, 2015

devdiesel said:
You mean the ubolts supplied with the Caltracs? No I had a local spring shop make me a set because of the lowering flip kit, the ubolts supplied were to long... My pinion angle was set at 4 degrees and hasn't moved

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You meant to say -4 degrees right? Hahaha

CWAY6.7 · Jun 11, 2015

DOPPPPEEE!!!

I wanna be your twin!! Lol

devdiesel · Jun 11, 2015

Trans is 4 degrees down, diff is 4 degrees up. It's happy up to 118 mph so far

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Kind · Jun 11, 2015

devdiesel said:
Trans is 4 degrees down, diff is 4 degrees up. It's happy up to 118 mph so far

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As long as your pinion angle is negative in relation to your driveline angle. If you are negative 2* or closer to positive you'll want to adjust it so you don't over stress the u-joints. It will also maximize the leverage if your caltracs... Or any traction bar.