The track bars and mounts were built with high quality and easy installation. They look and function great
1988-1998 Chevrolet / GMC K1500 Ladder / Traction Bars
1988–1998 Chevy / GMC K1500 Ladder Traction Bars
The OBS K1500 is one of the most popular square-body platforms for lifted builds — and at bigger lift heights, axle wrap becomes a real problem. Hard acceleration, towing, and oversized tires all put rotational force on the axle housing that the factory leaf springs can't fully control. The Apoc Industries Ladder Traction Bars mount between the frame and axle to hold the housing in position under power, eliminating wheel hop and protecting leaf springs and U-joints through the full range of suspension travel.
Fits 1988–1998 Chevrolet K1500 and GMC K1500. Works with stock height through lifted applications. Built in the USA.
Features
- Eliminates Axle Wrap: Frame-to-axle mounting prevents the axle from rotating under hard throttle, protecting leaf springs and U-joints.
- Eliminates Wheel Hop: Keeps the rear axle planted under acceleration, towing, and off-road use.
- Heavy-Gauge Tubular Steel: Welded frame and axle brackets built for long-term durability.
- Polyurethane Bushings: Quiet, flex-resistant mounting.
- Fits Most Lift Heights: Compatible with stock height through 2"–8"+ lifted applications.
- Bolt-On Install: No cutting or welding required.
- Durable Black Powder Coat: Corrosion-resistant finish.
- USA-Made: Built by Apoc Industries.
What's Included
- 2x ladder traction bars (driver and passenger side)
- Frame-side and axle-side mounting brackets
- Grade 8 hardware kit
- Installation instructions
Installation
- Est. Install Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Tools Required: Basic hand tools, torque wrench
- Bolt-on — no cutting or welding required
- Rear leaf spring suspension only
Fitment
- 1988–1998 Chevrolet K1500 (2WD and 4WD)
- 1988–1998 GMC K1500 (2WD and 4WD)
- Rear leaf spring suspension only
- Works with stock height through most lifted applications
Complete Your OBS K1500 Build
- 1988–1998 C1500 / K1500 Compound Taper Lift Blocks — pair with traction bars for a complete rear lift package
- 1999–2006 Silverado / Sierra 1500 Ladder Traction Bars — next generation version
- Apoc Build Blog — OBS suspension guides
1988-1998 Chevrolet / GMC K1500 Ladder / Traction Bars
Sale price$1,154.00
Built Right. Backed Right.
Our crew’s on call Monday–Friday, 9–5 EST. Hit us up at 865-983-5004 — real support, done right.
Product specifications
Lift Compatible
Yes – Fits Nearly All Lift Heights
Bushing Material
PTMEG Polyurethane 91 Durometer
Adjustable End Thread Size
Adjustable
Adjustable from shortest length up to +2.5"
Finish
Powder Coated Satin Black (Bare Metal available if selected)
Tube Diameter
2" Outer Diameter (OD), 3/16" Wall Thickness
Built to Control Torque
Apoc Industries ladder bars deliver relentless traction and control, locking down your rear suspension under hard launches, towing, or off-road abuse. Precision-welded, made in the USA, and ready to dominate whatever you throw at them
Bolt-On U-Bolt Mounts for Ladder Bars
Apoc U-Bolt Mounts are designed for setups where the U-bolts face downward, with the nuts positioned underneath the axle. These mounts install between the original axle mount bracket and the U-bolt nuts, providing a secure and convenient mounting point for ladder bars without requiring additional modifications.
Frame-Mounted. Torque-Tested.
The Apoc Bolt-On Frame Mount is built for serious strength and easy installation. Designed to work with our traction bar kits, it bolts directly to the truck’s frame—no welding required. Precision-cut from thick-gauge steel and powder-coated for durability, this mount provides a rock-solid connection point that holds up under heavy torque, towing, and hard launches.
Lifetime Warranty Polyurethane Bushings
Built to Last, Easy to Rebuild
Apoc Industries' high-performance polyurethane bushings are backed by a lifetime warranty and engineered for durability you can count on. Easily rebuildable with basic tools, they deliver a firm, responsive ride without the hassle—made for daily drivers and built for the long haul.
Before
After
Ladder Bar Kits
Built to Control Torque. Eliminate Wheel Hop.
Complete Kit – Ready to Install:
The Apoc Traction Bar Kit for Ram trucks includes everything you need for a complete install: two heavy-duty traction bars, frame-side brackets, axle-side brackets, and all required grade 8 hardware. Designed to control axle wrap and improve traction under load, this kit is built to handle serious torque while keeping your suspension tight and your rear end planted.
Preload It. Fine-Tune It.
The traction bars are fully adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the setup without relocating the frame mounts when changing lift heights. You can also preload the bars to tighten up suspension response and reduce unwanted movement under load—giving you more control, less wheel hop, and a smoother, more planted ride.
Premium Bushings – Built for Life:
Apoc Industries backs our bushings with a Lifetime Warranty for lasting confidence. We use only the highest quality polyurethane (PTMEG-based) in all Apoc products.
PTMEG polyurethane offers superior articulation and a firmer, more responsive feel — without the harshness commonly found in solid joints like heims or flex joints.
These bushings are ideal for daily driving while providing excellent durability and performance for moderate off-road use.
100%
Red, White & Built Right
FAQ'S
Traction Bars
Our customer support is available Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm EST. 865-983-5004
A: Traction bars prevent axle wrap—when your rear axle twists under load—which can cause wheel hop, vibration, and premature wear on driveline components. Apoc traction bars keep the rear end planted under hard acceleration, towing, or off-road use.
A: If your Ram is lifted or sees heavy towing, yes. Even on daily drivers, traction bars help reduce rear-end movement, improve driveline alignment, and extend the life of suspension and axle components. If you're running taller-than-stock lift blocks, traction bars are strongly recommended to prevent axle wrap and maintain stability under load or acceleration.
A: Yes. The kit is designed for a straightforward, bolt-on install using basic hand tools. The frame-side brackets do require drilling, but no welding is needed. If you’re mechanically inclined, you can knock it out in a few hours at home. Prefer a shop? No problem—it’s installer-friendly either way.
For PTMEG (polytetramethylene ether glycol) polyurethane bushings, the best grease is a silicone-based lubricant with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) additives. Here’s why and what to consider:
Why Silicone-Based with PTFE?
: PTMEG polyurethane is resistant to petroleum-based products, but silicone-based grease is preferred as it won’t degrade the material and is explicitly recommended for polyurethane bushings.Tackiness
: PTFE additives lower the coefficient of friction and are waterproof, ensuring long-lasting lubrication and quiet operation.
: Silicone-based grease repels water, protecting bushings from corrosion and maintaining performance in wet conditions.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 2 reviews.
Excellent product, very well built. Communication was great! Just placed a 2nd order for some lift blocks now!