The front idler or pivot.....this is what makes it all work, the purpose of traction bars are to prevent axle wrap, so the rear of the bar must be mounted solid to the rear axle,When torque is applyed to the rear wheels the axle wants to rotate in the oppisite direction. There are bushings in the rear mounts to keep them from squeeking. The front mount is a little different, the bar when under load will want to raise, this is why the shackle is mounted upsidedown, I built the front idler as a single unit and mounted it to existing holes in the bottom of the frame, I was surprised to find the frame to be double thick and has a strap style plate there inside the frame so strength shouldnt be an issue. The shackle will allow rotational movement forward and backward for when the axle travels up and down working the suspension, If you look at this pic you will also see a swivel build into the front section of the bars allowing them to twist when the truck is on uneven ground like going thru a big ditch on an angle.
My findings so far, I used to see slight amounts of axle wrap happening in deep gravel even at an idle, the wheel would want to kinda go in short bursts making serious impact on all drivetrain.................now that has gone away.
I used to be able to break the wheels loose most any time especially in cornering, now it is still possible in curves but not near what it was .
Washboard roads , the truck stays put much better now and doesnt want to swap ends on me.
Overall, impressions, I think I have something that will help me to preserve my drivetrain and help me to put the power to the ground, I would say that if anyone plans on drag racing their truck or especially pulling with it that traction bars are a must.
Cheers, Kevin