Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) can the gvw of 3500 be increased

[GMichaels]

Have a 97 4wd 3500 and went to the scale to weigh it. front axle 4320, truck 7330 rear axle 3320. I know the dana 80 is good for 8k and 60 good for 6k.



A while back i was talking with a contractor that had a 3500 that had a yellow sticker next to the factory sticker on the door pillar. He had the truck capicity increased to 14k. at the time it was not a concern of mine, but seem that it can be done. How?



If you have any idea how this can be done let me know.

 

[DieselRam30]

GVW also has to do with frame strength and suspension strength not including the axle itself. Tires can also be a limiting factor. I could be wrong, but I have heard that the Dodge second gen frame necks down after the cab, decreasing its loading capacity. Whether this is true or not, I'm not sure. As far as increasing the GVW, make sure the tires and suspension can can handle it. As frame as frame strength, perhaps boxing the frame but that would make repairs and re-routing lines a PITA.

 

[JGheen]

What DieselRam said... ...



I would just make sure your tires are rated to at least a load range E and you could also add more helper springs to the existing helper leaf pack, maybe even more leafs to the main packs. Wheels are also a concern for heavy loads. If your running aluminum wheels I would check the load rating for them, stock steelies can hold quite a lot of weight. How much weight were you looking to pull or haul? If the 3500 is too small, look into that International truck that looks like a big rig, can't remember what they call it, but it has a serious GVWR with all the beef it has on it. Saw one recently and I want to say it had a GVWR of around 14K or so.



Joe

 

[JSienkowski]

It's the International CXT, 18,000 gvw and starting at 100G for a price tag :--)

 

[GMichaels]

the rear axle is rated for 8k (dana 80) 4 tires at 2900 so the back axle can take a lot more weight.



the front dana 60 is good for 5400lbs tires are good for 6000 so not a lot of room but with proper loading i figure it should be easy to get anther 2k out of the truck.

 

[Woodenhead]

Some guy at a truck toys shop in Wa state was trying to tell me you could do things such as add air bags, leaves etc to increase the GVW rating of the truck. Then have it DOT inspected and registered to legally haul greater than the mfg. GVW rating. I called BS on that one and never looked into it with the Wa state DOT. I think you can do things to safely haul over the manufacturers GVW rating but at the end of the day when some clown pulls in front of you and you pile it up and kill someone they'll still say you're at fault for being over the mfg. GVW rating. With that said I'm running about 1000lbs over with my fiver. My truck has the camper package with a Dana80 rear, heavier springs and sway bar but has the same GVW and GCWR as a regular 2500 (go figure).



Mike

 

[Missouri Mule]

In Florida they ask you what your gvw is. I upgraded mine to 9999 not that I 'll ever be that heavy. I alos had to pay more for the tag too.

Heavier springs and bigger brakes would be the way to go.

 

[WDixon27]

here in loserana when i titled my truck (96 3500 cab/chassie with 11' flatbed and drw) they said i could title it up to 10k on a regular truck plate, more weight means more money for the "special license"

 

[RJPotts]

There are tons of things you can do to up GVW. Bags and some 19. 5's with some good load range F or G tires will increase it a little. I don't remember the name of the company, but you can do an air brake conversion. This does nothing for GVW but a lot for safety.

If you really really want to up GVW the best thing to do is call USA 6x6.

www.usa6x6.com

They do tandem axle conversions on light duty pickup trucks (amond many other things) just for this reason. This will give you the load capacity of another D80 and 4 more tires in the back, along with two live axles in the rear for better traction, braking, etc... Plus it looks cool as h*ll IMO.

-R. J.