For those running CalTracs..

[jb666]

I've been running them for two seasons now. I LOVE the setup.. They hook up amazing...

BUT, like others, I have quite a bit of noise while driving on the street.. Metal on metal banging....

How do you guys have them adjusted? I'm thinking of adjusting the preload, and was wondering if you guys leave your bars loose for street driving??

I know the proper TRACK setting is to leave them loose, or so I've been told.. But I don't see track time and want this thing to ride nicely on the street this season without all the rear suspension noise... This was what I was going to go by, this year:

1. With vehicle on LEVEL ground, roll it back and forth in a straight line at least five feet. This is very important on vehicles with a spool but is necessary for all types of limited slip differential vehicles.
2.Block the front and back of one of the front tires
3. Rotate the drivers side tube until play is removed then tighten one additional turn to pre-load.
4. rotate the drivers side until play is removed then an additional 1 1/2 turn to compensate for driver's weight


For street use you rotate the tubes to remove play then back them off to leave 1/4 gap at shock pad.

Good, or bad, in your opinion???

[BBKNARF]

See if this will help you,   http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,66945.msg751911.html#msg751911

[jb666]

See if this will help you,   http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,66945.msg751911.html#msg751911

Thank you, but.. I've read most of the tech articles out there.. I'm hoping some of our own (here) can give some real life testimonials as to how they found their 'sweet spot' for street driving... 

[Ghoste]

I think Hemidoug is running them on his Hemi car. 

[firefighter3931]

Jeff, i'm assuming that you're not running any pre-load in the Caltrac bars ? If that's the case the noises/rattles you're hearing is the bolt on the pivot making contact with the top of the leafspring. As the pinion rotates up the pin applies pressure to plant the tires. This is how the Caltrac bars work.

If you preload the bars your rattles will go away but the ride will be quite harsh. It's a trade-off....harsh ride vs annoying rattles & clanking.

The other solution which i use is to simply install a piece of heater hose over top of the pin that makes contact with the leafspring and back the pre-load off. When you do this it will soften up the suspension because you've eliminated the preload but the ride is booth smoother and quieter. The downside is that traction is compromised.

I just adjust the bars when i race it and leave the pre-load loose on the street (with the rubber hose covering the pin). 


Ron

[jb666]

Thanks Ron!

With a pre-load adjustment of only one turn make the car run like a red wagon?? I'm kind of hoping to find a happy medium... The heater hose suggestion is a great idea.. I'd almost rather have a harsh ride, at this point, then listen to them clank around much longer.. Plus every time I down shift ... BANG..

Maybe it's time for some trial and error...

[firefighter3931]

Jeff, try running some preload and loosening up the shock setting when you're street driving. I'm assuming that you're using something like the Rancho adjustables ?

Try half a turn of preload and set the shocks to 4-5 and see how ya like it. 

If that doesn't work you can back the bars off a bit and install the heater hose over the pins to reduce clank/rattle etc....


Ron

[jb666]

Thanks, Ron!  Im running Strange adjustable drag shocks.

[Ghoste]

Operation Hook was Hemidougs adventure in traction land and the Cal Tracs are in the saga.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,41726.25.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,61485.0.html

[jb666]

Thanks! Interesting reads....

I think, for me, it'll be a matter of trial and error.. Which in most cases, with me, ends in error.. But, it's all in the name of fun...

[472 R/T SE]

Wish I could help, but I haven't driven mine enough.

I'll start this summer since I'll no longer have a second car.