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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

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    7/02/2020 6:17 AM  #1

    kardad
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Lexington Ky
    Registered: 12/03/2019
    Posts: 305

    Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    This morning it is beautiful out so I decided to drive the 68 to work, and while there was no traffic at 6:00 am it gave me the opportunity to have a little controlled safe fun. The issue that I am having is that I am still experiencing a lot of wheel hop when I try to launch the car. I have the stock leaf springs (NO sag and ride nice) with Cal-Trac Bars. I have just slight pre-load on the cal-tracs. 

    I am starting to believe that the springs are just worn out, as when you accelerate hard in any gear you physically feel the rear of the car lift where the Cal-Tracs pivot point is pushing down on the single leaf up towards the front mounting point.

    On my 66 with much more power, I had 4 1/2 mid leaf new springs and ol school slapper bars and had no wheel hop issues.

    Does anyone know of anything other than weak springs that I could be missing?

     

    7/02/2020 7:16 AM  #2

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,855

    Re: Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    Shocks in good shape? Sounds like the "bars" are doing their job....maybe its the 're-bound' when the tires break/re-gain traction!? Are the rubber bushings in the spring eyes worn out? Could be there where the problem is starting!?
    6sal6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    7/02/2020 7:31 AM  #3

    kardad
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Lexington Ky
    Registered: 12/03/2019
    Posts: 305

    Re: Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    Yea,
    I have good KYB shocks and the only rubber is in the rear shackle end and all is good. The front spring eyes have the aluminum inserts for the Cal-Tracs.

    It has always amazed me how much the rear of the car lifts when I get on it or launch. So yes the Cal-Tracks are diffinently rotating and applying pressure to the top of the spring.

       •Thread Starter
     

    7/02/2020 8:02 AM  #4

    TremendousWand
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    Registered: 5/16/2013
    Posts: 657

    Re: Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    I had crazy wheel hop on my 66 coupe.

    Over the years I've redone the entire suspension with 4.5 reverse eye springs and new shocks.  Previous owner had installed air shocks which is a huge no no and totally screwed up the geometry.  Regardless, once I replaced the suspension and ditched the air shocks everything got straightened away.

    Simply put, wheel hop is 100% a suspension issue.  Either poor setup or faulty components.

     

    7/02/2020 8:26 AM  #5

    kardad
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Lexington Ky
    Registered: 12/03/2019
    Posts: 305

    Re: Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    I agree that wheel hop is 100% a suspension issue, I had though that the Cal-Tracs would make up for the weak springs. I always hate replacing springs as the car sets and rides perfect right now, and I can deal with a little stiffer rear, but hate screwing with the ride height.

       •Thread Starter
     

    7/02/2020 9:13 AM  #6

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,268

    Re: Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    The 4-1/2 leaf springs I have on my 66 do not allow any wheel hop.  No traction bars required.  About 500 hp.  245x45/17 tires. 

    Your springs are just too tired to do the job.  You can keep applying bandaids that do not work, or bite the bullet and put some good springs on it.  I have the reverse eye springs.  One advantage of the reverse eye is they move the front of the spring upward 2” allowing clear access to put a jackstand under the rear frame rail without have the spring in the way.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/03/2020 5:55 AM  #7

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,504

    Re: Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    I'm confused, is the car wheel hopping or is the rear end lifting?  The rear end is supposed to lift for traction.  I know that seems counterintuitive, but when the rear squats the tires go up into the body and loose traction.  Traction is achieved by slamming the tires into the pavement and this means the body is going to come up.  If that's what's happening its working exactly as it should. 

    If its actually hopping, then your springs are shot. 

     

    7/03/2020 6:24 AM  #8

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,730

    Re: Wheel Hop and Cal-Tracs

    During my research into Cal Tracs it appears they work much better with stiffer springs.  I plan on using a 5 leaf and most likely a reverse eye spring from M+.

     

     

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