PhoneDude...yes, you can make a 1/2 ton truck work for many jobs that it was not designed to do, as I also did years ago. About the RAWR...the truck manufacturer is not derating the axle, but is rating by ALL things connected to it, such as the springs, tires/wheels, and brakes. You added air bags to support springs, and higher E rated tires, to bring use able axle load closer to Hino's rating.
Most trucks axle manufacturer rates their axle much higher than the vehicle manufacturer, especially on the 3/4 ton trucks.
The Toyota trucks have been a good choice for many years.
Jerry