Axle wrap is nothing new. From the time that parallel leaf springs started showing up on cars and trucks, and the horsepower wars began, so did axle wrap. And axle wrap can lead to axle hop, and that can lead to breaking parts. But there is a simple solution. The venerable traction bar. And if you are talking about a street machine or hot rod, those traction bars will look different than those on a truck, but the physics behind them remains the same.
Traction bars control the rotation of the axle housing when acceleration, or deceleration, forces are applied. Stand on the gas with your lifted truck and you will definitely feel that axle wrap, especially if you’ve got more power on board.
In this video from Ian, he’ll explain axle wrap and show you how he fixed that problem on his own Toyota, using a kit that you can weld and install at home in a couple of hours. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Is this a project you’d do at home yourself?
Video Description:
🚗💨 Tired of axle wrap ruining your ride? In this Quick Tech episode, we break down the causes of axle wrap in leaf spring suspension and show you the best ways to eliminate it. Whether you’re running a lifted truck, an off-road rig, or a high-torque street machine, controlling axle wrap is crucial for better traction, smoother launches, and improved suspension performance.
🔧 In this video, we cover:
✅ What causes axle wrap in leaf spring setups
✅ How axle wrap affects your drivetrain, U-joints, and suspension components
✅ Solutions like traction bars, ladder bars, leaf spring upgrades, and axle wrap eliminators
✅ The pros and cons of different methods for reducing axle wrap
