How much do you haul?

[Tofuball]

I'm new here, and I've been reading tons of threads, I see a lot of REALLY nice trucks, but not much more then some parts or an engine in many of the beds (Maybe I just need to read more threads)

I've got a 75 GMC 2500 3/4 with the TH350 and NP203 - I was wondering how much I can throw in the bed (not on a trailer) before I create an unsafe situation - and what mods I could do to let me carry more.

Mostly I intend to haul gravel, scrap iron, and 80lb bags of cement, so I'd like to make as few "safe" trips as possible.

Thanks!

[fixit-p]

Check the GVWR label on the door post to see what the chassis components were rated at and also check the tires weight rating and dont exceed the lower of the two. Mods would depend on the rear end, is it a full floater?

[Tofuball]

The GVWR label on the door post isn't really readable, previous owner went nuts with the white spray paint.

I don't know if it is a full floater, I just got the truck, how could I tell?

[flamingbig10]

how many leafs are on the rear

[Tofuball]

Seven. Nice truck.

[Prong]

If the rear axle has those "hubs" sticking out about 4" or so through the center of the rim, you've got a full floater.

[flamingbig10]

thanks, this truck has a full floater if have any questions what it looks like

[Tofuball]

Yeah, mine looks like that, and has the hub sticking way out through the center of the rim.

[78 Chevyrado]

I've had 3000lbs of flat rock in my 78 C20. It has all the HD suspension stuff though.

[bhunt31]

I had a 76 3/4 ton 2wd that I've had 2.5 tons of scrap steel in the bed of before, but I don't suggest doing that too many times and if you do decide to do it...go slow. Engine and tranny held it just fine, springs were pretty well maxxed and I had good heavy tires on it.

[68 TT]

Your registration should have a line item for GVW so if you can find out the scale weight of the truck you can subtract the two and find out how much load you can carry as it was built by the factory.

Your weak spot will most likely be the T-350 transmission if you have the FF rear end on a 3/4-ton so the GVW will probably not be 8,400 pounds with that configuration.

A safe load would be no more than 2000 pounds with the T-350.

[Tofuball]

So I'm seeing a lot of different numbers, but no more then 1 ton with the T-350.

A friend of mine told me that the 700R bolts up, would that allow me to haul more?

[Tater]

Originally Posted by Tofuball

So I'm seeing a lot of different numbers, but no more then 1 ton with the T-350.

A friend of mine told me that the 700R bolts up, would that allow me to haul more?

The 700r4 will bolt up to the motor,but you'll probably have to get a new driveshaft because the T-350 and 700r4 are different lengths,I think.Someone please correct me if I'm wrong

[Walts_restoration]

no 700r4 came with a np203, youll be at a loss for an adapter. For towing, avoid 700r4, cant tow in overdrive anyway.

[68 TT]

The T-350 is stronger and more reliable than the 700R4.

An upgrade would be to get the T-400 for your truck but for the cost and all the work involved you could probably sell your truck and get a T-400 or SM465 truck instead that can handle much more load for less money plus have it pretty quickly.

Find a 4-speed 3/4-ton truck with the NP205 transfer case and you will have the strongest package they put in anything short of a 1-ton.

If you are going to be hauling two tons of stuff in the truck you sure don't need the extra drag on the engine of full time 4x4 that you get with the NP203.

Your other option is to just make more trips with a little less load and keep your existing truck.

[Tofuball]

OK, thanks for the advice. If I see a 4-speed with the NP205 at the yard I'll grab it, but otherwise I think I'll just haul 1 ton.