2017–2022 Ford Super Duty F-350 Ladder / Traction Bars
2017–2022 Ford Super Duty F-350 Ladder / Traction Bars
When your F-350 is pulling a loaded trailer or putting power down under acceleration, axle wrap and wheel hop can interrupt traction and load the rear suspension. Apoc’s adjustable ladder / traction bars help control rear axle movement with heavy-wall tubular steel construction and a frame-to-axle mounting design.
Fitment and Ordering
For 2017–2022 Ford Super Duty F-350 trucks only. Identify the rear axle actually installed on your truck, then select the matching axle, cab, and bed configuration. An axle identification guide is not a guarantee that every axle configuration is offered by this kit. If your axle is not listed in the available selections, contact Apoc before ordering. Do not select another axle as a substitute.
Identify Your F-350 Rear Axle
1. Start with the Rear Wheel Setup
- Single rear wheels (SRW): The standard axle is the Dana M275 with 4.0-inch axle tubes.
- Dual rear wheels (DRW / dually): The Dana M300 uses 4.5-inch axle tubes.
- Important Sterling exception: A small number of base-model 6.2L gas SRW trucks with a 3.73 ratio used the Sterling 10.5. Do not assume every SRW F-350 has an M275. The 6.7L diesel and 7.3L gas configurations use the Dana axle lineup described above.
2. Check the Housing and Measure the Tubes
- Dana M275: 14 differential-cover bolts, an angular diamond / octagonal cover, a fluid-fill plug on the back face of the cover, and 4.0-inch outside-diameter axle tubes.
- Dana M300: Also has 14 differential-cover bolts and an angular cover profile, but with a larger, wider, taller center casting and 4.5-inch outside-diameter axle tubes.
Both Dana axles have 14 cover bolts. Bolt count alone does not distinguish the M275 from the M300. Measure the straight axle tubes extending from the center housing toward the wheels rather than estimating their size visually. Confirm the installed hardware if the axle has been swapped or modified.
3. Use the Driver’s Door-Jamb Label as a Supporting Check
Locate the white factory certification sticker inside the driver’s door jamb and find the “AXLE” code near the bottom right. The label describes the original factory configuration; verify it against the axle physically installed on the truck.
- SRW Dana M275 reference: 31 / 3H for 3.31, 35 / 3J for 3.55, and 37 / 3K for 3.73. The numeric codes identify open differentials; 3H, 3J, and 3K identify electronic-locking versions. Remember the 6.2L gas / 3.73 Sterling exception above.
- DRW Dana M300 reference: 73 / F3 for 3.73 and 78 / F8 for 4.10. The numeric codes identify open differentials; F3 and F8 identify limited-slip versions.
Do not use gear ratio or a door-label code alone to choose axle-mount hardware. Confirm the axle type and tube diameter before ordering.
Key Features
- Axle-wrap and wheel-hop control: Helps manage rear axle movement under towing loads and hard acceleration.
- Adjustable length: Accommodates stock-height or lifted trucks and allows readjustment after future suspension changes.
- Heavy-wall tubular steel: Built for demanding towing and hauling use.
- Frame-to-axle mounting: Clamps to the rear axle housing and bolts to the frame. Drilling is required for the frame mounts; welding is optional.
- Satin black powder coat: Corrosion-resistant finish.
- Engineered and built in the USA.
What’s Included
- (2) Heavy-duty traction bars
- (2) Frame mounts
- (2) U-bolt mounts
- Complete installation hardware
Installation
- Estimated installation time: Approximately 2.5 hours.
- Tools required: Basic hand tools, drill, and drill bits.
- Clearance note: Some models may require trimming or removal of the skid plate near the fuel tank.
- Adjustable ends simplify installation and allow future suspension fine-tuning.
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
On some models, you may need to trim or remove the skid plate near the fuel tank to ensure proper clearance. Please check your vehicle before installation.
Yes – Fits Nearly All Lift Heights
PTMEG Polyurethane 91 Durometer
Adjustable from shortest length up to +2.5"
Powder Coated Satin Black (Bare Metal available if selected)
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 Rivnut Frame Mount is built for serious strength and easy installation on boxed frames. Designed to work with our traction bar kits, it bolts directly to the truck’s frame using heavy-duty rivnuts—no welding required. Precision-cut from thick-gauge steel and powder-coated for durability, this mount delivers a rock-solid connection that stands up to 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.