Rear Traction Rods and Traction Bars

Rear traction rods and traction links for independent rear suspension cars, including the 240SX, 350Z, 370Z, Lexus IS and GS, Supra, Miata, Camaro, BMW, Tesla and GR86. Brands include SPL Parts, ISR Performance, Megan Racing and Godspeed, from $114.95 for street rods to $809.10 for race links. Pair them with adjustable control arms for a full rear refresh.

Rear traction rods: what they do

Rear traction rods, also sold as traction arms or traction links, are fore-aft links in the independent rear suspension of many rear-drive and all-wheel drive cars. They tie the rear hub or knuckle to the subframe and resist the hub twisting and moving under power and braking. Nissan 240SX, 350Z and 370Z, Lexus IS and GS, Supra, Miata, Camaro, BMW and Tesla rears all use them.

Factory traction rods use soft rubber bushings that flex under hard launches and braking. That flex lets the rear wheel move and change angle, which you feel as wheel hop, a vague rear end and inconsistent grip. Aftermarket traction rods replace the rubber with pillow balls or spherical rod ends, and most are adjustable in length. SPL Parts says its rear traction links remove bushing deflection under hard acceleration and braking, help reduce wheel hop, and let you fine tune rear bump steer and anti-squat by adjusting the length. On some cars, adjustable traction arms also give you extra toe adjustment.

Traction rods vs leaf spring traction bars

The name causes confusion. On trucks and older cars with leaf springs, "traction bars" usually means anti-wrap bars or ladder bars that stop the leaf springs winding up under power. The rear traction rods on this page are a different part for cars with independent rear suspension. If your truck has leaf springs, these will not fit. For leaf spring parts, see our leaf springs page.

Rear traction rod types compared

Prices come from the rear traction rods we list.

TypeJointsWho it's forBrandsPrice
Street adjustable rodsPillow ball or hardened bushings, turnbuckle adjustmentLowered street cars, light track useMegan Racing, Godspeed, ISR Performance Street Series$114.95 to $335
Pro and race linksSpherical rod ends, often aluminum bodiesTrack, drift and time attack carsSPL Parts, ISR Performance Pro Series$156.75 to $809.10

Pillow balls and rod ends pass more noise and vibration into the cabin than rubber. On a daily driver, a street rod with hardened bushings or pillow balls is the better balance. On a dedicated track car, rod-end links give the tightest feel.

Rear traction rods by car

CarBrandsPrice
Nissan 240SX S13 and S14ISR Performance, SPL Parts, Megan Racing, Godspeed$114.95 to $314.10
Nissan 350ZISR Performance$146.30
Nissan 370Z, Infiniti G37, Q50 and Q60ISR Performance, Megan Racing$146.30 to $245.58
Lexus IS, GS, RC, SC and LSMegan Racing, Godspeed$141 to $335
Toyota Supra MK4 and A90, BMW Z4 G29SPL Parts, Megan Racing, Godspeed$180 to $404.10
Mazda Miata NC and ND, RX-8SPL Parts, Megan Racing$210 to $359.10
Chevy Camaro Gen6 and Cadillac ATSSPL Parts, Megan Racing$188 to $404.10
BMW F2X, F3X, F8X and G8XSPL Parts$404.10
Tesla Model 3 and Model YSPL Parts$404.10
Subaru WRX and STI VA, GR86 and BRZSPL Parts$494.10
Nissan GT-R R35SPL Parts, Megan Racing$280 to $809.10

Some cars have more than one traction link per side, for example upper and lower links on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, ND Miata and Camaro, so check which link a listing replaces. See all SPL Parts, ISR Performance and Megan Racing suspension.

How to choose

  • Lowered street car with wheel hop or a loose rear: a street adjustable rod from ISR, Megan Racing or Godspeed.
  • Drift car: rod-end links that survive repeated hard launches and clutch kicks.
  • Track or time attack car: SPL Parts links, which add bump steer and anti-squat tuning by length.
  • Full rear arm refresh: pair traction rods with adjustable camber and toe arms so the whole rear works together. See control arms and upper control arms.

Install and alignment

Traction rods are usually two bolts each, so most owners fit them at home with jack stands. Before you remove the factory rod, measure its length center to center and set the new adjustable rod to match, so the car stays drivable to the alignment shop. Torque any bushed ends with the suspension at ride height. Changing traction rod length moves the rear geometry, so get a rear alignment afterwards and check toe in particular. Rod end dust boots should be intact, and rod ends are worth checking for play at each oil change on a track car.

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Rear Traction Rods and Traction Bars FAQ

What do rear traction rods do?
Rear traction rods tie the rear hub to the subframe and stop it moving and twisting under power and braking. Aftermarket rods replace soft rubber bushings with pillow balls or rod ends, which cuts wheel hop and makes the rear feel tighter.
Are traction rods the same as traction bars?
Not usually. Traction bars for trucks and older cars are anti-wrap bars for leaf springs, while the traction rods on this page are links for independent rear suspensions such as the 240SX, 350Z and Lexus IS.
Do traction rods stop wheel hop?
They help. Wheel hop comes partly from rear suspension bushings flexing under hard launches, and stiffer traction rods reduce that flex, but worn subframe or differential bushings can still cause it.
Do I need an alignment after installing traction rods?
Yes. Set the new rods to the length of the old ones before you fit them, then get a rear alignment, because traction rod length changes the rear geometry and can affect toe.
Are adjustable traction rods noisy?
Pillow ball and rod end traction rods pass more noise and vibration into the cabin than rubber. Street rods with hardened bushings or pillow balls are quieter than full race rod-end links.
How much do rear traction rods cost?
On our store, street adjustable traction rods run $114.95 to $335 and pro and race links run $156.75 to $809.10.