t34418l3one

Im looking to get more flex out of my rig, and i was looking and is the traction bar really nessesary? i already took off the sway bar. Does it even serve a purpose w/o the sway bar? thanks

flecker

could get some axle wrap out of it.... what springs are you running? lift?
Sweet runner too

toy283

Lose it and go to crossover steering. The purpose of the thing is not to prevent axle wrap but to keep the steering linkage in line and prevent bumpsteer. Once a lift is installed, it's effects are virtually negated anyway.

joez

You dont need it. It was just typical over-enineering by Toyota. You will notice it sway a little when you are on the brakes hard if you still have stock steering, but other than that it wont have any negative effects.

flecker

Hey, are you refering to the traction bar/s or the torque rod???

toy283

Never seen a traction bar on a Toy, at least never on a stocker. We are referring to the torque rod that runs from the front axle to the frame on the driver's side. It is designed to mirror the draglink in movement and prevent bump-steer.

flecker

I guess I be confused... keep the torque rod on unless you like steering all over the road when you brake, and yes it does help the axle maintain somewhat.
I think it's a little to unsafe to remove it... at least on my junk

toy283

That's why I also said go crossover. The purpose for the torque rod goes in the dumpster with the old draglink.

flecker

Well, then sir I agree.

t34418l3one

i took it off and im fine, i forgot to mention i have dual steering stablizers, so my steering is still good.

toy283

I got rid of both the sway bar and the torque rod years ago. A little more body roll but much better suspension travel and flex.

CTB

Would anyone mind explaining what exactly crossover steering is?

44Runner

pitman arm moves left to right. drag link goes from the steering box on the drivers side to the knuckle on the passenger side. that is the basic cross over explaination...


*EDIT*

Here is my steering as it was going on minus the drag link, hopefully it will help. Drag link will run to the far end of the tie rod.

CTB

Cool, that helps a little, thanks.