I would think the frame would have to be different to call it a 3/4 ton, though i've loaded my truck down about as much as I think any 3/4 would handle.

 

It didn't have the same weight rating as the HD 3/4 ton though.... so, it may still have been just the half ton frame.....

I have put 5200 pounds of dirt in my 3/4 ton (H/D)....... according to the gravel pit's scales anyway...... Truck drove fine. Didn't really squat, and it wasn't quite so easy to lock up my rear brakes. Rode like a damn cadillac. I could get spoiled, if it weren't for the horrid things that kinda weight does to gas mileage. (not to mention everything else....)

 

I was asking this question because I have been looking for 2500 leaf and coil springs for my 1500 I found a parts 2500 that the guy will sell me springs but he says it has a 318 in it and it is a 2500 with 8 lug wheels. Now listening to you guys talk the springs maybe the same as my 1500?

 

What year truck is he trying to sell? (or, parts therefrom......)

 

I do not know if the 2500 LD coils are bigger but I doubt it as I believe most of the increase in GVWR (7400 #) was from the heavier duty rear axle not from the front. Also 2500 HD rear leaf springs are 3" wide and 1500 springs are 2.5" wide so you would need the mounts off the frame too. I am not sure about the width of the rear 2500 LD springs, I suspect that they are 2.5" with extra leaves so they may work.

Yes the 2500 (all are 8-lug) had the 318 with the LD 2500 (years are at least 94-95 maybe longer). The LD had a front Dana 44 with 8-lug unit bearings. The rear was the HD Chrysler 9.25. It has 8-lug wheels and larger wheel bearings. It may also have larger wall thinkness on the tubes but that is just a guess. I do not know if they had the heavier frame but I doubt it. GVWR of LD 2500 was 7400lbs.

 

I always thought that the 318 was the base engine on the 2500, but then again, I'm a 1st gen guy. Hmmmm. As for the ford 3/4 tons, it was the 300 i6. Back in the day, you could get a 5 ton truck with a slant 6 from dodge, or a i6 from ford. Just imagine driving that piece of meat.

 

That Ford I6 is the motor in my boat. Easy to work on.

 

I know for sure that in 94 that the 2500 was offered with a 318 because I used to have one.