Torque Arm

Maiden69 · March 12, 2019

Has anyone tried, or have used a torque arm (as used on the Gen4 Camaro) to control axle (leaf) wrap? I am on the fence between this and Assassins Traction Bars. I can make my own torque arm, or buy a ready to weld kit for around $200-300 depending on the tubing size and if I want to run heim joints all the way around or just on the front. Vs around $370-400 for the Assassin bars. In addition, I could add a panhard bar with coilovers and 2 lower bars and get rid of the leaves altogether. I am about to start doing pre-mod upgrading on my truck, mainly adding a 2 piece driveshaft, possibly a Powertrax No-Slip locker (as it would save me from having to readjust ring and pinion). Ultimately I will be doing a 4 link set up, but that is IF I decide to keep the truck in the long run as it will be getting a turbo or two, but we are talking at least 3 years from now, as I am using the truck right now for my business.

I know this items are more common on lifted trucks, but what called my attention the most is that it would sit inside the tunnel and out of sight, which is a bonus for me anytime.

Darksky · March 15, 2019

While not nearly as involved, nor as performance oriented as your plans, I added the Rough Country traction bars to the six inch lift on my 2015 High Country 1500. They make a huge difference in a couple of ways.

1. They greatly reduced wheel hop under acceleration. Let me rephrase IMHO they eliminated wheel hop under acceleration. The G80 in my 9.76” differential locks and puts even power onto the ground from both rear wheels without any of the “jerky” feel from before. The connection to the pavement is greatly improved by this new found stability. You can hear the difference in the friction between the tread and the asphalt as you accelerate.

2. Body roll while turning is reduced. The traction bars function feels like I have added a rear sway bar. It is a pretty significant change.

Our trucks are not autocross racers. That said, there are steps that can be taken to improve their handling. This is one that is affordable, easily done and yields a very positive result. I bought mine during some sort of annual sale for +/- 260 delivered (IIRC). Don’t hold my feet to the fire on pricing, I do recall that I felt I got a good deal. Currently, they full price retail at 399.

I will list this, without reservation as one of the best performance mods I have done to my truck.

Maiden69 · March 15, 2019

12 hours ago, Darksky said:

Thanks, I have seen those as well, if I was lifted I would definitely go that route, or get the one I posted above for sure. I have done a few upgrades to my suspension, Front and rear Hellwig sway bars, lowered 3/5, rear mono shocks. Waiting for a reply from Belltech to either buy their front adjustable shock, or start working with another brand on a suitable shock for what I want to do. I really want a mono tube for the front, not a twin. I am also waiting on new shorter sway links for the front to bring the bar level because I have 1" lowering springs.

Darksky · March 16, 2019

1SLOW1500 is the forum member I believe should be a good resource for lowered performance tips and tricks. Please populate this thread with your upgrade process.