Overloaded 3/4 ton discussion

[cmysstailights]

On another forum and chimed in on this discussion. Another memeber posted that the 3/4 ton trucks came with multiple axels and assemblies to give different payload numbers based off of 9500 10000 and 10500 gcwr.

 

Can anyone explain what he is talking about in his post. "Load bearing housing?"

 

"(Ok the discussion is about the load carrying ability of 3/4 trucks and if all the parts are the same between all 3/4 trucks. The drive axles shafts (your pictured parts) in either unit provide drive only and are not load bearing...those shafts are in what is referred to as full floating assemblies.

 

I'm sure there are other parts that are shared between the housings but the load bearing housings (that gives the weight ratings) are not the same under every 3/4 ton truck.")

 

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[carkhz316]

I'm sure someone will chime in with more specifics, and this applies up to 2019, but simply put:

 

2500 w/ 6.0: 14 bolt, 10.5" axle

2500 w/ 6.6: 11.5" AAM

 

3500 (both engines) 11.5 AAM

[cmysstailights]

I looked up part numbers for the axels and only 1 listed for 3/4 tons regardless of engine and same for 1 ton. Both have different axels, housing and so on.

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[ewbldavis]

My take is he's differentiating between the assembly housing and the actual axle shaft. 

 

The drive shaft from the differential to the wheel is sort of "floating". The housing is " load bearing" in that your payload/truck weight are supported by the axle housing bolted to the springs, not the physical drive shaft. The shaft provides "drive", the housing provides "support".

 

As posted by carkhz316, they are different from gas to diesel on the 2500. The "overload" situation comes up because the frame and springs, etc. are NOT different. Generally it's a payload thing, and while a diesel engine may pull better, you often have a smaller "payload" because the engine itself weighs more. If you see a 40' triple axle toyhauler being towed by a 2500, they're probably overloaded.

[newdude]

11.5" axle in the 1 ton configuration gas and diesel provide the 3500hd, along with the extra springs, its higher payload.  So in a 2500hd, the 11.5" axle with diesel has less payload due to the less springs in the rear.  

 

Also, 2011-2019 HD use 18" wheels on single rear wheel 1 ton as the tire GM used has the highest load capacity.  124 load index vs. 121 load index on the 17" and 20" wheels.  So those looking at a 2011-2019 HD both 2500 and 3500hd, a truck ordered from the factory with 18" wheels will provide the highest payload rating out of the box.  Again, it can vary based on optioned equipment.   

 

Load bearing housing = Full Floating axle assembly.  The ring and pinion, and the axle shafts do only one job and that's move the vehicle/load etc.  The axle housing, wheels, tires, etc. carry the load placed on the vehicle and support the weight.

 

On a semi-floating axle (1500 trucks), the axle housing (and wheels, tires) support the weight, however the axle shafts not only have the task of moving the vehicle/payload, but they also act as a load bearing object in the rear axle. 

Edited October 29, 2019 by newdude

[cmysstailights]

Thank you for clarifying, now i get it. I now i am over by a couple hundred lbs payload. Looking to upgrade to a 3500 diesel.

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[ewbldavis]

I've been half-assed looking at 5th wheels for our next RV. Weight/payload is definitely a factor and while the size I want is fine for our 2500HD, a 3500 may be in the cards for next truck.