An add-a-leaf kit or bags can help to level the truck out when it's loaded heavy, but won't help you stop. My '00 half ton Chevy can haul just as much as the 3/4 ton Ford I replaced it with due to the extra springs, but I have always been aware of stopping distance - down shift on hills and give extra room to stop if you're loaded heavy!
I have owned them all over the years. The best truck is the one I don't have to push! That is what I tell my students. I buy and own 1/2 tons. They are trucks, use them. Your loads are fine. As a kid, my dad didn't quit loading hay on a pickup until the back bumper nearly touched the ground. We had a '70 Dodge 3/4 ton on the farm that dad bought with a rotted bed and blown engine in '72. We welded a steel floor in it, put in a 383 and used it for years. We had a chain bolted to the rear of the frame (for pulling it or other things out of the mud/snow/whatever). One day dad came home and I had it full of horse manure to the point that two links on the chain were dragging, he said, "boy, I think it is time to unload and start a new load!".
Ihad a 2005 Ram,2010 ram,2010 f150 and now 2017 chevy. Im keeping the Chevy i dont want to be FOUND ON ROAD DEAD JK i actually think the F-250’s are the nicest looking trucks on the road ( my honest opinion) when i was 19 my first new truck was 1993 GMC stepside with a 6” lift and 33” tires
The only real issue with the 1/2 ton trucks i can see is the rear axle. The semi- floating axles dont have axle bearings designed for prolonged heavy loads. They are flat rollers about 11/16" wide that ride on the axle its self. Over loading causes the axle to flake and start pitting in the bearing surface. 3/4 ton and up pick ups have full floating axles. Two large tapered roller bearings on an oversized hub on each side. These axles are much better sutied and designed for prolonged heavy load service. The frames, suspensions, and braking systems on the newer 1/2 tons are night and day difference from trucks even 10 years ago. Even still i would keep 1/3 max towing/payload buffer for safety.
Wow!!!! I've heard that state is not bad on taxes but that is ridiculous. And property tax on vehicles?
I like them both! The 2nd truck is a beauty! You guys down south don't know how lucky you are with the rust issues. Sweet!
the blue 86 has had work done on the cab but still very solid we have some of the rust issues but not as much as you northern guys
Yup, new cars are ridiculous my dad just registered a new gmc diesel dually for $1300. Youv seen pics of my waterfall and river nice rt, i get charged a view tax. My house is a post and beam 2400 sq feet
They do that up in the North East. It was/is that way in Maine too. It's bad enough that they charge you a yearly inspection fee, then they tax you on the value of your vehicles. It's not a home, it's a car/ truck/ motorcycle.
