The traction bars are 2x2 steel tubing alongside the leaf spring. I have 2" lowering blocks so there was about 2 1/2" between the axle bracket and the lower shock mounting plate. I drilled two holes in the tubing, reinforced the holes from collapsing with pieces of pipe and I run the spring U-bolts through them. I also have two 1/4" shims for fine tuning the height.