Can anyone help me identify my true Load Capacity for my big dump truck? I'm trying to get a new data plate made for my restoration project (the original was missing when I got the truck, and the title doesn't match a VIN decode).
I've been looking over the "Load Capacity Charts" in the shop manuals for 1947-1954 and my configuration doesn't seem to match any of them. This was a farm truck, and seems to have a lot of "that'll do" parts swaps. Here's what I do know:
VIN Model "RJ" = 1948 Heavy Duty 4100 1.5 Ton w/ 137" Wheel Base Rear Axle is a 2-Speed that's stamped "6.70, 8.86" (A10 N4 3C, 1 16 3L) on top Differential Carrier Assembly: Timken 5800-M-429 (3266-Q121) Front Leaf Count: 9, Rear Leaf Count: 11+6 (I'm counting every layer, not sure if that's correct)
Also, what goes in the "Serial No." box at the bottom of the tag? The whole VIN?
Looks like your truck could be from 1 ton up to 2 ton. They were all available with 137 inch wheelbase.
The first few pages of THIS have some information on vehicle serial number configuration. It consists of model and year code, assembly plant, and serial number. If your title has the correct serial number configuration you should be good. It may have been registered by engine number.
Be sure to check with your DMV on building a replacement data plate. It could be illegal in some states.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Two speed differentials were a factory option, not necessarily related to the load capacity of the frame, suspension, tires, etc. The spring pack and tire rating will be your best guide in determining the capacity of the truck, I think the "11,000 lb." tag is a good estimate. My truck is rated at 16,000 lbs. with 9.00-22.5 tires, if the truck came from the factory with the largest/highest rated tires, it would have been rated at 19,000 lbs. My truck empty weight is about 7200 lbs.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
@klhansen - Thanks for the link! That doc had some additional info that I hadn't seen before. Unfortunately, the tables don't match the numbers I pulled off the rear axle. I guess I'll have to dig some more. The original straight-six had been replaced with a 1988 GM V8 crate engine, so that's just another fork in the road. I'll be sure to check on the legality of data plate replacements, too (appreciate the heads-up).
Two speed differentials were a factory option, not necessarily related to the load capacity of the frame, suspension, tires, etc. The spring pack and tire rating will be your best guide in determining the capacity of the truck, I think the "11,000 lb." tag is a good estimate. My truck is rated at 16,000 lbs. with 9.00-22.5 tires, if the truck came from the factory with the largest/highest rated tires, it would have been rated at 19,000 lbs. My truck empty weight is about 7200 lbs.
Thanks for the info! In combination with @klhansen's link, you guys have me thinking they might have the right info on the title - Unladen: 5,950 / GVWR: 11,000 . Appreciate you all taking the time to reply! 👍
