bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

i hacked up the old bar to make the new one, but you can see the nice bow left in the 1" square tube after one autocross session. the tires were rubbing the backs of the fender liners under hard braking.

i don't expect the new one to bend... i've added the two support arms to the stock crossmember bolt holes. at the very least, i've learned how not to make a traction bar and i've learned that my welds are strong enough to take some serious abuse and not show any signs of failure. ;)

https://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f...h/DSC05660.jpg
https://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f...h/DSC05659.jpg
https://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f...h/DSC05661.jpg

Re: bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

Thats a pretty big improvement in size over the old one. Looks like a really solid design too. Let us know how it holds up to the beatings

Re: bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

thank you, you made me feel better about the one my freind and i made for his DA. we used 2" square and 3/8th plate to make it. we didnt reuse the stock tow hooks (cause they were thin compared to the plate we used) and did utilize the side bolts and engine mount as well. looks good man!

Re: bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

Nice Aaron.

I do believe the 1x2 is a little much, but in this app, a little much is better then not enough like you found out.

But the most important part you took care of is the braceing to the factory bolting locations.

And yes 3/8" plate is good. But believe it or not your tow hooks will see little loading now with the factory supporting there.

Re: bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

the end plates are 1/2", the tie rod plates and engine mount plates are 3/8". yeah, it should be ok now. :y

Re: bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

what wall thickness was that 1x1sq?

Re: bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

.125"

Re: bent traction bar and the new replacement
 

damn that's meaty. nice work :y