I checked the threads but couldnt find any specifics on these questions. Im installing the JLP traction bars(rancho type). My stock exhaust is hanging too low. Did you just jack up the exhaust so the passenger side could bolt up? How the hell did you guys get a drill to fit on the side holes? Did you have to take off the side skirt? Doesnt look like that will help that much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

I have a Silverbullet exhuast with those big tips and had no problems with the bars hittings the pipes so I cannot help you there sorry. I used a 90* drill(looks kinda like a right angle die grinder) to drill the side holes. Make sure you have a good bit! And wear some eye protection that metal in your eyes would be bad for sure! Gooduck with the install. -Mat-

 

Thanks, looks like i'm gonna have to get another tool for the tool chest

 

Cobalt bit and some fortitude = metal eater.

====Tip before your drill the vertical holes====
bolt the bars into the rear brackets and into the frame bracket.
mark the holes for the horizontals and drill
bolt the horizontals down
use a scribe or a nail to trace the hole for the vert.
take a hammer and punch an indentation.
Drill


BE CAREFUL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE

the fuel lines are on the inside of the frame rail.

 

I just used a regular drill and it worked out just fine. I drilled smaller holes first.

Just rotate the exhaust clamps around (easier prior to bar install). This will give you the clearance that you need. Use a magnet to pick up all of the metal that you drill out afterwards.

I drilled the bottom first then bolted, next bottom, then bolted, all the while I used C clamps to make sure that everything stayed tight.

Now for the real tough part. The drivers side. No way can you just drill those out without going through some kind of high pressure fuel line. So... I used 1.5" angle iron about 6 inches long and placed it up there. Because the drill bit will rip all the way through it needs to hit something hard besides those fuel lines. No problem. The great part is afterwards. They work great!

 

Mortis,those arent JLP traction bars...

 

Try LFP.

 

one thing to take note,,, unless you want to destroy your drill bits, or make it very very hard to drill the holes through the frame,, please please use wd40 or some other oil type compound to cool the drill bit while you are drilling,, this will help cut through the frame like butter. If you do not spray some oil on the area you are drilling,,, ( while drilling) you could loose your cutting edge very fast,, and I dont think you want to spend exttra time sharpening your drill bit between holes.

~Toast

 

This is also very good advice, but I used a small peice of wood instead.

~Toast

 

I just installed the fstest set of JDM/Rancho bars today. Bought them from Totaled. I have the Hotchkis rear springs and had to make a few modifications. First I had to shorten the U-Bolts by 1-1/4". Second I opted to use the factory spring plate on top and run the U-Bolts down through it. That was about it. How the heck do you get you exhaust to clear. My tips sit very high, about 1/4" from the groundeffects. I have about 1/8" of clearance between the bar and the exhaust. Not hitting the clamp, it hits the pipe. Magnaflow 12468 if that makes a difference.

 

Finished the install yesterday, whew. The welded clamp on the tips still sits on the bar and scratches the paint, I think Im going to have to devise something later.
My apologies to Nozebleed, I picked up the Ranchos from him at Blue Oval Performance on the FLA/SVT Webpage. Best service yet, and unbeatable prices. I suggest everyone give him a try. Havent really had a chance to stomp on them yet, probably will try next week at the track

 

Silver-Bolt,
You are going to have to drop (with shims or plate steel) the rear that attaches to the axle (if you haven't already). You don't need much clearance, I will let you know how much that I have with stock exhaust, it's not much. I hope that your u bolts aren't too short now.

 

They are.