Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HTX86chevy · 08-27-2011, 07:03 PM

HI guys, I have a 1986 swb 1/2 ton

Its time to replace all 4 shocks and my question is : what is the best shocks to go with. price is not an issue . this is my daily driver , but I do work construction so on occasion I will pick up a pallet of concrete mix and haul it in the bed for about 4 miles . the pallet = 36 x 80lbs bags which is (2880lbs) total.

Am I forcing her ? IM not sure what the max cargo load is on this truck and dont want to continue at the rate if she cant handle it.

what do you guys think??? should I do anything else other than just new shocks? are all shocks the same?

J Knight · 08-27-2011, 07:34 PM

I would get Monroe gas matics. As far as what you need to haul, id say you need a duelly or a trailer.
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VegasBruce · 08-27-2011, 09:47 PM

I use Napa branded Monroematics. Shocks won't hold the truck up, they just dampen the action. 2880# is almost a ton overweight for you 1/2 ton.

rwhit57 · 08-27-2011, 10:45 PM

I have carried about a ton of dirt in my truck and it is more than it wants. I would feel ok with about 14-1500lbs., but 2880? That's way too much in my opinion.

*78 Chevyrado* · 08-27-2011, 11:26 PM

2,880 is too much for some 3/4 tons...lol Maybe you could get a single axle small trailer that would carry it. as far as shocks, and dealing with that load, it won't make any difference, as your axle will be sitting on the bump stops. if your tires don't hold more than 32psi the sidewall will be about 1.5" tall when loaded, if that.

IIRC that 2880lbs is about 1000lbs more than the highest 1/2 ton was rated for, and that 1/2 ton basically had 3/4 ton springs. the other things to watch for is your brakes. they may not stop it and absolutely wont stop it fast in an emergency.

I wouldn't wanna do it, but if you do start with the heaviest springs you can and get some E rated HD tires.

67_SS396 · 08-28-2011, 02:50 AM

That is overloading it by quite a bit as previously said. Shocks won't add to carrying capacity, but for thee ride, I like monromatics or rancho 5000's. Air bags will help level the truck, but you really should have some 10 ply tires with that load.
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HTX86chevy · 08-28-2011, 12:59 PM

so, i guess I gotta cut the load in half and make two trips for now on.
so is everyone agreeing with the monromatic shocks? are those the best for front and back?

08-27-2011, 07:03 PM	#1
HTX86chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 349	Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions HI guys, I have a 1986 swb 1/2 ton Its time to replace all 4 shocks and my question is : what is the best shocks to go with. price is not an issue . this is my daily driver , but I do work construction so on occasion I will pick up a pallet of concrete mix and haul it in the bed for about 4 miles . the pallet = 36 x 80lbs bags which is (2880lbs) total. Am I forcing her ? IM not sure what the max cargo load is on this truck and dont want to continue at the rate if she cant handle it. what do you guys think??? should I do anything else other than just new shocks? are all shocks the same? __________________

08-27-2011, 07:34 PM	#2
J Knight Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Baytown TX Posts: 2,219	Re: Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions I would get Monroe gas matics. As far as what you need to haul, id say you need a duelly or a trailer. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350

08-27-2011, 09:47 PM	#3
VegasBruce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Just outside Sin City Posts: 239	Re: Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions I use Napa branded Monroematics. Shocks won't hold the truck up, they just dampen the action. 2880# is almost a ton overweight for you 1/2 ton. __________________ Bruce 73 Stepside, 74 Blazer, 75 1 Ton, 66 Barracuda and a 05 Electraglide DD http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Rusti192-1.jpg

08-27-2011, 10:45 PM	#4
rwhit57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tulsa,Okla Posts: 590	Re: Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions I have carried about a ton of dirt in my truck and it is more than it wants. I would feel ok with about 14-1500lbs., but 2880? That's way too much in my opinion.

08-27-2011, 11:26 PM	#5
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions 2,880 is too much for some 3/4 tons...lol Maybe you could get a single axle small trailer that would carry it. as far as shocks, and dealing with that load, it won't make any difference, as your axle will be sitting on the bump stops. if your tires don't hold more than 32psi the sidewall will be about 1.5" tall when loaded, if that. IIRC that 2880lbs is about 1000lbs more than the highest 1/2 ton was rated for, and that 1/2 ton basically had 3/4 ton springs. the other things to watch for is your brakes. they may not stop it and absolutely wont stop it fast in an emergency. I wouldn't wanna do it, but if you do start with the heaviest springs you can and get some E rated HD tires.

08-28-2011, 02:50 AM	#6
67_SS396 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Blue Ridge, Tx Posts: 1,172	Re: Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions That is overloading it by quite a bit as previously said. Shocks won't add to carrying capacity, but for thee ride, I like monromatics or rancho 5000's. Air bags will help level the truck, but you really should have some 10 ply tires with that load. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Fawker Fab three seater rock crawler buggy 498 BBC/SM465/203/205 doubler, propane, 5.13's, 42" PB Rockers '66 C10 - The new hot rod '77 3+3 Dually - 12 valve 4wd conversion tow rig project '28 Ford 2 door sedan street rod RevLimit Offroad "Hang on beer, we can do this."

08-28-2011, 12:59 PM	#7
HTX86chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 349	Re: Carrying Capacity & Shock Suggestions so, i guess I gotta cut the load in half and make two trips for now on. so is everyone agreeing with the monromatic shocks? are those the best for front and back? __________________



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