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Author Topic: Want more load capacity  (Read 5791 times)

Offline doinker72

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Want more load capacity
« 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
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Offline choptop

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Re: Want more load capacity
« Reply #1 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
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Want more load capacity
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2009, 05:31:58 pm »
Air springs are your best bet provided your existing springs are in good condition.
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Offline joesgarage71

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Re: Want more load capacity
« Reply #3 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
« Last Edit: January 20, 2009, 09:22:22 pm by joesgarage71 »
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Offline 78 Chevyrado

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Re: Want more load capacity
« Reply #4 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.
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Offline K20 Blazer

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Re: Want more load capacity
« Reply #5 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.
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Offline Blazin

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Re: Want more load capacity
« Reply #6 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.
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