Lakewood Traction Bar Modification Welding Question

Since my 1971 C-10 truck is lowered ( C-Notched and Spring Flip at rear ), the Lakewood traction bars made for this series truck does not fit without the bars hitting the pavement.

I can cut and weld the mounting sections of the bars to make them function as designed ( see photo ).

I don't think WHERE I want to cut and re-weld the bars will present any structural problem as far as the bars holding up with the stresses it will endure in use...but I thought I'd run this idea by the welders here at the HAMB before I went ahead and did it.

 

I would cut the bar loose from the attachment ,shorten & re-notch it like the factory just 2 1/2" shorter and weld back JUST LIKE THE ORIGINAL...Shawn

 

I would make a lap joint and weld on both sides.

 

Ditto on the lap joint. Way stronger to overlap what you want shortened than to cut it out.

 

I built CalTrac style bars since I didn't have clearance for ******* bars.

 

cut, slide bracket down, weld. should take less time than it did to ask the question.

 

with reasonable welding skills, dont sweat it, just cutn weld, and move on,,

 

X2, it also lets you tack it up and confirm fit up prior to welding out!

 

Hey guys, thanks for the input !!!! The lap joint makes the most sense for me being that it would be easier to maintain the proper mounting angle with a lap joint vs trying to re-notch the entire bracket.

 

Just make sure that they won't hit the ground if you get a flat tire. That would end badly.

 

That's for sure. The cuts in the bars would configure them to the original positioning of the Lakewood design for a non-lowered vehicle so clearance will be adequate in the event of a flat.