Load Carrying/Towing Capacity?

[daveward]

My '68 El Camino has replaced a one-ton dually pick-up in my little fleet. I'd like to know if anyone has done any clever things to their El Caminos to increase the load carrying capacity.

I assume the original idea was that El Caminos would be similar in usage to a half-ton pick-up. Correct me if I'm wrong. My desire (ideally and wishfully) is to get closer to my one-ton's weight carrying capacity AND I want to do it without affecting everyday ride height.

When I'm done implementing all the clever ideas you folks share with me, I'll probably also build a two axled trailer to carry the heaviest of the heavy items. Does anyone know the trailer weight rating for the El Camino and similar to the above discussion, are there any additional ideas for trailering heavy stuff? Thanks for your time. Dave

[a1supersport]

Air bags (that fit inside of the coil-springs) and/or Heavy Duty coil springs. But now you'll have to worry about the rearend being able to handle the weight. I'm sure your 1-ton had floating axles. But the ElCamino has a passenger car rearend, that's really not as strong...for weight carrying ability...as a typical 1/2 ton pickup. So you're kind of asking for a miracle. I'm sure it'll handle the weight for a little while. Otherwise you'd be better off with a 1-ton pickup.

[daveward]

Originally Posted by a1supersport

But now you'll have to worry about the rearend being able to handle the weight.

Thanks for the information. I know there'll be a huge difference in capacity and I'll have to find some way to cope. I certainly won't do anything to hurt my new toy.

You mentioned the rear-end as a weak spot...I want to make sure I understand: you're referring to the axles themselves in the semi-floating design, where the axles carry some of the weight, right? So if the vehicle's overloaded an axle could snap? Not that this isn't bad enough...but is there a second worst thing that could happen?

Thanks again...Dave

[a1supersport]

The design as well as the axles themselves are questionable for constant use in carrying heavy loads. How heavy is the load you'll be carrying, and how often will you be doing this? These "trucks" were rated at 1/2 ton, and that's a slighty generous rating. These rearends...10-bolt and 12-bolt...have C-clips holding the axles in. If the axle snaps at it's narrowest point (where the C-clip slips on), that axle will slide right out (I've seen it happen once...at a Mud-Bog. Big tires, lots of horsepower, and lots of mud. Axle and tire came flying out...what a sight). But also, the bearings are a lot smaller than 3/4 ton and up axles. And then you also only have 5-lugs, instead of 8 or 10. I guess you can tell by now that I'm, kind of, trying to discourage you. But if you're only going to do limited hauling with the ElCamino and save the heavy stuff for the bigger trucks, then you should be OK.