what defines a 3/4 ton?

Huntindog wrote:

philh wrote:
If a vehicle is rated at 1500lbs cargo cap, does it really matter if it has 6 or 7 or 8 lug bolts?

Yes. To put it simply: There are certain things in which size matters. This is one of them.

It is not uncommon when I go to the dump to pass a heavily load 1/2 ton, which had it's axle C clip let go. This is easy to diagnose as I pass by...... As the tire is extended from the wheelwell about 2 feet.... with the axle shaft clearly visable. That cannot happen with a full floating rearend.

C clip axles (semi floating) are the same design as what is used in cars.

I have seen the same symptom on class 8 trucks. Now, a semi floating is more likely to break the axle at the end, let axle walk out. Flex in a full floating axle housing is more likely to break in center, and stop driving the truck. But overloaded bearings can shear the lock, back the bearing retainer off, let wheels hub axle and all walk out.
And over the years I have overloaded light trucks, had lug studs break, but never on a semi-floating axle...