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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: doinker72 on January 20, 2009, 05:15:59 pm

Title: Want more load capacity
Post by: doinker72 on January 20, 2009, 05:15:59 pm

Hi. I have a '77 silverado heavy half with a bone stock 350/165hp SB. I use it for hauling only (no towing). I need to increase the weight limit I can throw in the bed. It has 40k original miles and the rear end setup is factory. My question: where would I start to make it capable to haul 3000lbs? As it goes right now, I am barely making it when I got 2000lbs in th back.
Thanks for any help!
-Doug

Title: Re: Want more load capacity
Post by: choptop on January 20, 2009, 05:20:24 pm

I have put on air bags in the past, but you need to understand that the rear axle isnt designed for that amount a weight and if its loaded often, the axles bearings will die. The also make helper springs for a little more money and are great because you dont have to mess with the air. Make sure you are running good tires. I prefer 10 ply on all of my haulers

Title: Re: Want more load capacity
Post by: VileZambonie on January 20, 2009, 05:31:58 pm

Air springs are your best bet provided your existing springs are in good condition.

Title: Re: Want more load capacity
Post by: joesgarage71 on January 20, 2009, 09:04:17 pm

 Air bags and a 14 bolt maybe 3:73's wouldn't hurt to add a couple of leaves to go easy on the bags,heaver front springs too.
I tow and haul heavy with my 04 1500 and I added a rear sway bar (and some leaves out back)helped things out alot. But I'm just waiting for the rear end bearings to take a crap. Right now the only thing I have thats streetable.
 Steve

Title: Re: Want more load capacity
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on January 21, 2009, 01:09:31 am

Springs and bags.  Watch your brakes.  3000 lbs is double the weight the lowest 3/4 ton can haul and the lowest 3/4 can haul more than a heavy half.  If you want to haul that on the roads regularly, get a HD 3/4 ton or swap the complete suspension under yours, axles brakes and all.

Title: Re: Want more load capacity
Post by: K20 Blazer on January 21, 2009, 04:27:50 pm

The frame will also suffer.

The best option is a truck designed for heavy hauling.

After you get done adding springs, bags, brakes, beefed  up frame trans cooler, bigger engine, you could have bought a 1 ton, and saved your nice low mileage truck, and maybe your self from an early death.

Title: Re: Want more load capacity
Post by: Blazin on January 21, 2009, 09:15:08 pm

Coil over shocks work well but only give you about 500 more lbs. I wouldn't increase that truck for that much weight either. Once in a while you would be OK but once a week or more you are asking for some sort of problem.