Why Is My '99 Sierra 1/2 Ton So Weak In The Rear?

[Johnshan]

I have had half ton trucks most of my life, my current 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 extended cab short box has gotta be the lightest duty I have had yet.

 

I had 1000 lbs in the bed this weekend and it was about 1" off the bump stops.

 

The manual/sticker in the glovebox shows a payload of 850 lbs.

 

Are all of these "newer" style trucks so soft in the rear?

 

My old '96 was stiff as heck back there, I would haul 2000 lbs at a time without a worry.

[svensk]

Ya, but your '96 handled like a dump truck. The back-end on a half ton truck can't so stiff that it hurts your back to drive. For people who really need hauling capability they really need a purpose built truck like a HD.

[thewaterboy]

Ya, but your '96 handled like a dump truck. The back-end on a half ton truck can't so stiff that it hurts your back to drive. For people who really need hauling capability they really need a purpose built truck like a HD.

 

 

Unfortunately so many people wanted a 1/2 ton truck not to be used as a truck we had to pay the price to make them ride better....You are right though we have a late 70's chevy 1/2 ton at work we use for a shop truck and the thing hauls anything you throw at it. I'm amazed how much it will haul without a problem. However when its empty wow it rides like sh**!

[HawkeyeOC]

The manual/sticker in the glovebox shows a payload of 850 lbs.

 

 

Are you sure that figure is right? Most minivans can handle more weight than that. Most anything on 4 wheels can handle more weight than that.

[mr_bots]

That rating does seem incredibly low, I don't know what the 800s are rated at but I know my 08 Sierra has a rated payload of well over 1000lbs. I doubt they added much capacity between the 800s and 900s. Now to something helpful: it is almost 10 years old, how old are the rear shocks? Your leaf springs could also be losing some of their capacity.

[svensk]

my '00 is rated at 1,779 payload.

[Johnshan]

Sorry guys- it says "cargo capacity 850 lbs"

 

I think that means within the cab of the truck, like people, ect?

 

Talked to a co-worker with the same truck, with his cap on and tools his is also riding the ground.

 

Guess its time for air shocks or coil shocks.

 

Will the axle take the abuse if I go with air shocks, and load 2,000 lbs in the back on occasion?