Traction Bar Kits
Shop traction bar kits for leaf-spring classic cars and trucks, with vehicle-specific systems for Chevy, Ford, Mercury, Dodge, Plymouth, and other applications. Find CalTrac systems, standard configurations, and specialized packages for different rear suspension setups.
Traction Bars for Leaf-Spring Rear Suspensions
Hard acceleration tries to rotate the rear axle housing against the leaf springs. Traction bars work at that exact point, controlling unwanted axle movement without requiring the vehicle to abandon its leaf-spring suspension.
That makes this collection particularly relevant to classic muscle cars and trucks that still use their original-style rear suspension architecture. CalTrac and stock-style systems cover applications across Chevy, Ford, Mercury, and Mopar platforms, including Bel Air, Camaro, C10, Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, Charger, Roadrunner, and many others.
Some builds stop at the traction bars themselves. Others go further, especially Camaro and Nova applications where POL combines CalTracs with shock relocation hardware and 9-way adjustable drag shocks. In those packages, traction control, tire clearance, and rear damping are addressed together.
The common goal throughout the collection is keeping the rear axle better controlled when power is transferred through a leaf-spring suspension.
FAQ
What does a traction bar do on a leaf-spring suspension?
A traction bar works with a leaf-spring rear suspension to help control unwanted axle movement under acceleration. POL specifically positions its traction bar collection around leaf-spring vehicles, with application-specific systems for a wide range of classic cars and trucks.
How do I choose the right traction bar kit for my vehicle?
Start with the exact year, make, and model, then confirm that the vehicle uses the rear suspension configuration specified by the product. Check the leaf springs, rear axle, mounting arrangement, shock location, and previous suspension modifications before choosing a kit.
What are CalTrac traction bars?
CalTrac systems are traction bar products from Calvert Racing designed for leaf-spring rear suspensions. They make up a large portion of POL's collection, with applications covering Chevy, Ford, Mercury, Dodge, Plymouth, and other classic vehicles.
Are traction bar kits available for classic Chevy trucks?
Yes. The current collection includes CalTrac traction bar kits for 1967-72 Chevy C10/GMC C15 trucks and 1973-87 Chevy C10 trucks. Because the products are separated by generation, match the system to the truck's exact year and rear suspension configuration.
Are traction bars available for classic Ford Mustangs?
Yes. POL lists both a 1964-73 Mustang CalTrac traction bar kit and a separate 1964-73 Mustang stock-configuration traction bar kit. Review the individual product specifications and rear suspension requirements before deciding which system fits the build.
Can traction bars be combined with rear shock relocation?
Yes, on compatible applications. POL offers packages for 1967-69 Camaro and 1968-74 Nova that combine CalTrac traction bars, rear shock relocation hardware, and 9-way adjustable drag shocks. The relocation system moves the shocks inboard and provides additional rear tire clearance.
What should I check before installing traction bars on a modified car or truck?
Inspect the rear axle, leaf springs, spring mounting points, shocks, ride height, wheel and tire clearance, and any existing traction or suspension hardware. If the vehicle has relocated springs, altered shock mounting, a narrowed rear axle, or other rear suspension changes, verify that the traction bar system is designed for that configuration.