Plenty of people drive ladder bars and caltracs on the street. They aren't as street friendly as stocks leaf spring suspensions, but there are always compromises when building hotrods.
Ladder bars limit the rear suspension's articulation when entering/exiting driveways or going over bumps. Does this mean they 'suck?' It's all a matter of personal preference.
I've been told caltrac suspension can to stiff on the street, though I've never driven one. I've been told back the preload off or using some heater hose on the tube that contacts the leaf spring can help.
