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Thread: X Brace and Traction Bars = Overkill?

  1. #1

    Default X Brace and Traction Bars = Overkill?

    Would an X Brace and traction bars on a 2001 CC Dakota RT be overkill?

    I know to some degree they do the same thing (traction). But the X Brace will give better ride and handling all around. I plan to start running my Dakota at the timed circuit around here next year and am I wondering if i should install both or ditch one in favor of the other? I all ready have the Traction Bars and am thinking of getting the X Brace. What do you guys think?

  2. #2



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    Two completely different things...
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    Super Dak©'s Avatar
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    I have both. I got Cal-Trac traction bars first, mainly for drag racing. Also to add a little support (after a broken axle experience with my '95 Dakota). I added the X-brace when I started autocrossing. They serve different purposes: traction/reducing axle wrap, and chassis stiffening. When I stopped autocrossing, I considered removing the X-brace, but my drive shaft loop is mounted on it, so it stayed (but I don't race much any more). For any course-type racing, the X-brace works great, and I don't think the traction bars will hurt. For drag, the X-brace "might" hurt, doesn't let the chassis flex. But that's just MHO, I could be wrong.
    Glen Renzoni
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    Thanks. How was your auto x experience? Is the Dakota pretty competitive?

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    slammedR/T's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Adobedude View Post
    Two completely different things...
    This!
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    Super Dak©'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SiegeDG View Post
    Thanks. How was your auto x experience? Is the Dakota pretty competitive?
    When I autocrossed I also had Hotchkis springs/sway bars and their Bilstien shocks, so it did great!! But once I supercharged it, it needed track tires, which I never bought, so it wasn't as good (but I'm also a foot-to-the-floor racer, sooo...)
    Glen Renzoni
    Super Dak© Etching and Decals
    '99 Solar Yellow RC Dakota R/T Supercharged 408
    '05 Orange Blast Stage 2 SRT-4 Turbocharged 2.4
    '16 Mojave Sand Mangler Unlimited Sport 3.6
    the Super Dak© Home Page
    www.totacc.com/user/glenzoni/
    (note: e-mail changed to @yahoo)

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    Chassis flex in drag racing bad...mmk?
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    Adobedude, I think i saw your truck the other day being towed from Corrales by Kirtland Federal Credit Union. Not too many Red RC RT with Roll bars.

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    Only one in town.
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    98Dak408's Avatar
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    X-bracing is used in drag racing to stiffen the frame to reduce flexing.



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN6FqForvdc

    I run an x-brace with traction bars as do others. It not only helps with handling but off the line performance as well.

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    blackknight's Avatar
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    X brace with traction bars here !

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    niebs's Avatar
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    Roll bar or a cage will help with chassis flex as well.

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    slammedR/T's Avatar
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    LOL, getting rid of the two piece C channel frame is the best thing, hell boxing in the C channel frame I bet would do more than any X brace would...
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    It's flimsy as fuck....
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    slammedR/T's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by adobedude View Post
    it's flimsy as fuck....
    this!
    This signature has been deleted thanks to photobucket!

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    blackknight's Avatar
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    When I did my c notch I welded and bolted it in, and I welded the seams together also !

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    98Dak408's Avatar
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    Stiffening the frame and chassis can be beneficial regardless the type of performance application. The following are some of the examples of x-bracing applications in drag racing:




















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    Attached Images Attached Images
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    98Dak408's Avatar
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    Attached Thumbnails
    Looks pretty stout. Anyone we know?

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    Lenny Melton from Moparts....Gen II
    Truck was awesome, I'll look for pics.
    Last edited by Adobedude; 10-07-2017 at 12:27 AM.
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  21. #21



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    Attached Images Attached Images
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    98Dak408's Avatar
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    Nice!

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    It was for sale as a roller, pretty cheap too.
    11.27 @ 118.23
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