Traction Bar Discussion

[CSVT#49]

Alright so I've been researching more and more on the traction bar setup I want to design and build. Although I am seeing conflicting information with designs. Full-Race who I had originally contacted designs their systems to have the front mounting of the traction bar in-line with the lower control arm (LCA) mounting. They do this so that the traction bar pivots about the same axis as the LCA; and does not bind the suspension. This makes sense. However it is not really possible to do this on the Contour and still allow full lock to lock steering as the tires will collide with the traction bar.

Doing research on other designs I came across a Lakewood traction bar setup for the Focus, which I actually discovered from an OLD thread on the CEG Archives... (Link) The discussion started around preloading the setup. Well The Lakewood design places the pivot points of the the traction bars much farther inward from the pivot point of the LCA. I would think this would cause the suspension to bind as it would not follow the same arc. I do like the fact that the Lakewood design ties the rear side of the front subframe to the cross brace of the traction bar setup. I plan to do the same with my design as I feel it will allow for less flex in the subframe mounts.

Thoughts on the pivot points? Below is a picture of the Lakewood Focus setup. Also here is the link for the Lakewood installation, Link

 

[rollinstylee]

Without knowing the installed condition of the example shown or talking to the designer, I'd speculate that the reason for the inboard pickup points are to place the LCA attachment end as far outboard as possible to maximize its effectiveness. To allow tire steering clearance, the other end needs to angle steeply inward. So it's probably a matter of layout requirement. As far as your concern about not following the arc of the LCA, I don't understand. If a traction bar followed the same arc (i.e., pivoting about the same instant center as the ball joint), it would be completely ineffective at limiting fore-aft compliance of the wheel center, which is its purpose. Maybe it's just how you worded it, but why do you think this might bind the suspension any more than pickup points that are further outboard? It only "binds" in a slightly different angle.

I completely agree with you that bracing back to the rear of the subframe is a good idea. Without that, the load transmitted through the bars into that highly offset front member is going to flex it, making the whole affair a complicated ballast weight.

 

[doomsayer559]

I dont know how much this would help the cause, but, King6Fab makes some traction bar setups. They are for the mx-6, pgt & 626 platform. Kinda looks like endlinks. Maybe some ideas can be stewed up from those. Cool to see somebodys interested in this idea!