I'm thinking of doing new leaf springs of a shackle lift in my 83, but I was wondering what you guys have done about the traction bar on the front axle. Can it be removed and ignored or is there some sort of extended one that should be used to replace it?

 

I haven't had one in 7 years. It seems fine.
Look on 4crawler's website. I think he makes an an adjustable track bar if you still want one.
It depends on how much lift.
Can't run a track bar in the stock location with high steer.

 

I have stock push/pull steering and I did a little test before I started my build to see if it was really necessary. I just took it off for a few days and drove around town and lightly off road. I didn't notice any difference at all so when I rebuilt and painted my front axle I hacked off the torque rod mount on the axle. Not looking back either!

 

I'm going to rebuilt and upgrade some of my front axle, and was thinking about cutting it off if it wasn't nessecary. But a crossover is going to be happening in the future, so that's good to know. Thanks guys.

 

it is not so much a "track bar" for suspension but for your steering with the push pull gear box. it is not necessary but your tires will wear a little weird since it keeps the axle the correct length from the steering box. with the factory length lift springs it will still fit and work it is just kind of a pita to re install
when going to high steer it is removed since it is part of the old steering setup.

 

I was wondering about this same thing last week. Thanks!