MORSNOW wrote:
Just over 2,000 lbs, those older truck just didn't have the payloads of todays trucks.
Not to the OP's query, which was super vague anyway, but while you're correct, that new models and subsequent past models for the last 20 years have all been increasingly stouter (not just axles), my old 86 GMC 3/4 ton, even with the "less desirable" 14 bolt semi floater rear axle is 8600 gvw and 6000lb rawr. On a truck that is about 5000lbs empty curb weight and maybe 2500lbs on the rear axle.
Add it up and payload, by the numbers, has not really increased measurably, or actually has gone down (by the "numbers").
"By the numbers" the old 86 has about 3500lbs of available payload and a set of rear springs that shame most new 3/4 tons. Also rides like a brick.
I've put 3000lbs of material in the back of it and it didn't hit the bump stops.
That said, other advancements in braking, power, frame/chassis rigidity, towing capability, etc have improved immensely in the last 20 years. But basic payload capacity in srw trucks has not increased much, if any.
