Anyone using PRG Traction Bars?

[MuskyHunter]

I am curious if there are any members using PRG traction bars in a northern climate? A couple of things I am concerned about. First is the welding of the bracket and it's exposure to excessive road salt. I am concerned about welding that part of the frame and have it turn into a rust maintenance area, even with paint or other surface coat which will protect it for a little while.

The second question relates to the build up of slush/sand in the area of the bracket and refreezing solid. You know how those concrete like clumps build up on the spash guards. I am wondering if the bracket will also build up, freeze, and then limit travel potentially bending the bar or create other undesireables?

I am contemplating installing bars, strictly to control axle wrap. I thought of helper springs like the Helwig, but they end up lifting the rear a bit. I am not interested in lifting the truck or using the jettech helper spring.

[MuskyHunter]

Okay, maybe a more general question. When welding on the traction bar bracket to the frame, the galvanized coating is affected at this joint. I have never been successful in controlling rust on body parts that have been sanded down to metal, in spite of an acid etch treatment, primer, and paint. It always seems to be that the sanded down area becomes a spot of accellerated rust. This is my main area of concern with adding traction bars.

I know you guys think I am nuts, but it takes a lot of effort to keep a vehicle rust free around here and I plan on keeping this truck for quite some time. I would appreciate any thoughts of how I can minimize my risk of creating a potential rust problem.

[TitanBlue]

No MuskyHunter, you are not nuts. Great question from my perspective.Hope some good answers come in, as I'd really like to order a set within the next month or two and haveinstalled with a Tru Trac at the same time. I've got a welding background, so rust is a major concern in my warped mind.

[supadupaj]

You can always drill three holes in each mount and mount them that way. They won't be as strong as if they were welded but that should alleviate your problem..

[bestatchess]

Does this crap actually work?

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/e...er/output_html

[redneckpapa1996]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

Does this crap actually work?

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/e...er/output_html

Not sure, but i see the nascar logo on the can, so it might just be what we need to control the rust......Good luck.

[TitanBlue]

I've never seen that before, prime before painting (I meant welding)! The NASCAR doesn't mean anything to me, but the 3M does. I trust their products immensely. NASCAR is just an entertainment corporation. Try a welding supply house to find this.

EDIT: I suppose the found a way to chemically control the damage done in the heat affectted zone (HAZ) and form a primer surface at the same time. With welding temperatures of 5000-8000 *F or higher, this is pretty far reaching. I'd like to see results, even though made by 3M, before I'd trust just this for a primer coat. I think additional primer (Cold Galv?) and a couple layers of paint would still be called for. This may help tremendousely however with the bonding in the HAZ, which is always difficult.

[loufish]

POR(Paint Over Rust) is supposed to be pretty good. In this case it would be paint over weld...

http://www.por15.com/bPOR-15sup-sup-...entive-Paint-b

[MuskyHunter]

Hey, thanks for the info guys. That 3M stuff looks like a spray on zinc coating. That paint over rust looks great too. Some good stuff to think about.