Caltracs or Smith Racecraft?
#21
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Yup, 8" were the longer ones I got from the dealer, but they were only about 1/2" longer than factory. I think 9" overall should do it. I'd look at yours first. If you have enough thread sticking out through the nuts then the u-bolts might just work with the Assassin trac bars.
#22
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I like the caltracs design better, the smith hang down too low at the front mount. I didn't realize the cost of these until now. Those are expensive for the small amount of material you get. Caltracs replacing the front bushing on the spring for a swing point is nice too.
#23
Originally, I was thinkin Caltracs. Til Ben (silver-mod-o) mentioned the Smith Racecraft.
When u have 1 choice, it's a no-brainer. 2 just makes u decide. Made harder when u can't look at either in person.
I like that both co's make them here in U.S. SRC is proud to say that too!!!
I do like the extra adjust on the SRC. That can be a bad thing too tho, as they say keepin simple lessens complexity. Not sure whether Caltracs or Smith hangs lower. That's only a concern really in winter. Some of u don't have that concern, but it may be minor.
Ya, as Onetogofast said, I too like Caltracs look more, just looks more simplistic. But if Smith has all that adjustability. I can make em hit harder on track, then change to how I'll run on street (most of the time). Caltracs only have 3 adjustments. And yes, either is $$. Smith are $339, + shpg. Caltracs are $369 + shpg. So, they don't really give them away, but I was told by someone along time back on PT, by the time u add in powdercoating, fab, engineering, materials (heims are pricey) u'd be very close to Caltracs price).
I'd also kinda like to know which is better traction bar to keep my handling, as my truck is multi use, versatile & will stay that way as much as I can. Some on here only want full drag.
I do know Catracs are 37#. Anyone got a weight on the Smith Assassin bars?
When u have 1 choice, it's a no-brainer. 2 just makes u decide. Made harder when u can't look at either in person.
I like that both co's make them here in U.S. SRC is proud to say that too!!!
I do like the extra adjust on the SRC. That can be a bad thing too tho, as they say keepin simple lessens complexity. Not sure whether Caltracs or Smith hangs lower. That's only a concern really in winter. Some of u don't have that concern, but it may be minor.
Ya, as Onetogofast said, I too like Caltracs look more, just looks more simplistic. But if Smith has all that adjustability. I can make em hit harder on track, then change to how I'll run on street (most of the time). Caltracs only have 3 adjustments. And yes, either is $$. Smith are $339, + shpg. Caltracs are $369 + shpg. So, they don't really give them away, but I was told by someone along time back on PT, by the time u add in powdercoating, fab, engineering, materials (heims are pricey) u'd be very close to Caltracs price).
I'd also kinda like to know which is better traction bar to keep my handling, as my truck is multi use, versatile & will stay that way as much as I can. Some on here only want full drag.
I do know Catracs are 37#. Anyone got a weight on the Smith Assassin bars?
Last edited by fastnblu; 10-29-2012 at 05:25 PM. Reason: Info added.
#24
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Im uploading pics now.. My frame height it 6.5" off the ground and the bottom of my front heim end is 11" off the ground. I do have 2" lowering hangers. As in installation the Smith Racecraft bars are alot easier to install..
#25
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Should mount the same..
Considering my hangers are *** backwards from everyone else's, I had to notch my hanger.
I also had to flip the bracket around to clear my hanger and actually does not come up to the eyelet of the bushing but right in front of the eyelet.
#26
I'll need to check my dimensions off yours & compare. Where specifically was that 6.5" off ground measured at on frame? What's your overall truck drop, front & rear? Any idea on the weight of the Smith bars?
U have 2" lowering hangers, I have no drop hangers. Dropped my rear 4" thru the flattened leafs & it uses a dogbone to connect swaybar. Other than that, nothin is out of the ordinary.
Sorry for all the questions, just tryin to make as informed a decision as I can.
And most likely, whatever bars I go w/. are it. I highly, highly doubt I'm gonna go & try 1 brand, then try the other brand. So whatever I get, is it.
If this is how bars come finished, I'll likely want em p/c'd. I'll check w/. my powdercoater cause nickel may not cut it (& likely will need to be stripped to powdercoat). Then I'll have a better idea too.
#27
if you want them soon rather than later i would call smith racing to check availability.
i ordered a set for my 04 rcsb with a flip kit on aug 1. i received them a couple weeks ago(October) . i called to keep checking on my order. they had problems with a lathe and parts needed to be sent to be nickel plated. i wasnt in a hurry so i waited. its not a huge company from my understanding.
im sure you can get caltracs within a week if you order them.
i ordered a set for my 04 rcsb with a flip kit on aug 1. i received them a couple weeks ago(October) . i called to keep checking on my order. they had problems with a lathe and parts needed to be sent to be nickel plated. i wasnt in a hurry so i waited. its not a huge company from my understanding.
im sure you can get caltracs within a week if you order them.
#28
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Tyler, thanks so much for great details & detailed pics.
I'll need to check my dimensions off yours & compare. Where specifically was that 6.5" off ground measured at on frame? What's your overall truck drop, front & rear? Any idea on the weight of the Smith bars?
U have 2" lowering hangers, I have no drop hangers. Dropped my rear 4" thru the flattened leafs & it uses a dogbone to connect swaybar. Other than that, nothin is out of the ordinary.
Sorry for all the questions, just tryin to make as informed a decision as I can.
And most likely, whatever bars I go w/. are it. I highly, highly doubt I'm gonna go & try 1 brand, then try the other brand. So whatever I get, is it.
If this is how bars come finished, I'll likely want em p/c'd. I'll check w/. my powdercoater cause nickel may not cut it (& likely will need to be stripped to powdercoat). Then I'll have a better idea too.
I'll need to check my dimensions off yours & compare. Where specifically was that 6.5" off ground measured at on frame? What's your overall truck drop, front & rear? Any idea on the weight of the Smith bars?
U have 2" lowering hangers, I have no drop hangers. Dropped my rear 4" thru the flattened leafs & it uses a dogbone to connect swaybar. Other than that, nothin is out of the ordinary.
Sorry for all the questions, just tryin to make as informed a decision as I can.
And most likely, whatever bars I go w/. are it. I highly, highly doubt I'm gonna go & try 1 brand, then try the other brand. So whatever I get, is it.
If this is how bars come finished, I'll likely want em p/c'd. I'll check w/. my powdercoater cause nickel may not cut it (& likely will need to be stripped to powdercoat). Then I'll have a better idea too.
And just buy looking at them and comparing them to the caltracs I would assume they might be a few pounds heavier.. I dont have a scale.. A few pounds wouldnt hurt anything specially on the rear axle..
#30
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I ended up with caltracs. Got them for $250 brand new from a local so i couldnt pass up the offer. Since installed wheel hop is completely gone. Hooks decent on the street nothing to brag about. But have yet to get a track pass, 4l80e stuck in limp mode still
Either one u choose i think they both are top notch!
Either one u choose i think they both are top notch!