2004 NHRA Rulebook General reg 3:5 Traction Bar Rod Ends (page 202) reads: "Minumum requirement for rod ends on the front of all ladder-type tracion bars is 3/4-inch steel. A rod end strap to keep ladder bar secured in event of rod end failure mandatory in all classes. All traction devides that are not attached at front (ie, slapper bars, etc.) must have a U-bolt or strap to prevent them from coming in contact with track."

So many terms can be interchangeable in performance automotive. I'm sure if they are condering a 'stock style' chevelle four link as a four link system, and if the upper and lower control arms are considered ladder bars? Also, the graph shows the diameter of the rod end eyelet must be a 3/8" minimum diameter, and the width of the rod must be 3/8", but it's not mentioned in the text. Was this a printing error, and should have read 3/4 instead of 3/8", as printed in the above text?

If someone could clarify for me that would help. I'd like to purchase some aftermarket adjustable upper control arms, and solid lower control arms for my malibu, but want to make sure I understand exactly what my requirements are.

Sean,
The 3/4x3/4 dimension is only for the FRONT ladder bar mount because a ladder bar only has one heim per side connecting it to the front bracket. (A 4-link has two per side)

The 3/8 min. rod ends in the diagram on p.202 is for use in FRONT suspension and steering components. My Vega has had all the tie rod ends replaced with chromemoly tubing and heims instead of tie rod ends and my tube A-frames have heims in there also.
It also has a 4-link rear suspension with 3/4" shank rod ends that have 1/2" eyes. These are only available thru Jerry Bickel Race Cars as Aurora has an exclusive deal with Bickel from what I've been told. With them, you can run larger 1 1/4" 4-link tubes and still retain tight spacing on the bracket holes for more adjustability

All the adjustable trailing arm kits I've seen on the market are completely legal for a bracket car.

Hope that helps you a little!

Randy

That does help. In other words....don't worry about it. :D