The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Are these 1942 springs 1/2 or 3/4 ton?

Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me the load rating of these 1942 leaf springs. They're on a small truck:

<a href="http://www.motiograph.com/images/ebay/1942_chevy/clara08-rightsprings.jpg" target="right">Right springs.</a>

<a href="http://www.motiograph.com/images/ebay/1942_chevy/clara09-leftsprings.jpg" target="right">Left springs.</a>

I'm currently running an auction for this truck and have been telling people it's a 1/2 ton. Now I'm not so sure, and want to give them the correct info. Thanks.

Looks like 1/2 ton with overloads, According to your VIN it's a 1/2 ton. Is it a 6 lug wheel?

Thanks. Yes, I don't have access to it right now, but I'm pretty sure it is a 6 lug wheel.

Something that is rather strange about the truck are those gadgets above and to the front of the springs. Somebody told me that they are dump bed attachments. Ever heard of a dump bed on a 1/2 ton?

Those are the Houdaille shocks-note the link that goes to the axle on the left side. The factory didn't offer a dump bed, but there was probably one aftermarket. I know of a company that made a dual wheel tractor-trailer rig on the 1/2 ton in the '40's.

Thanks for the info on the shocks. I've updated my ad accordingly. That dual wheel 1/2 ton rig sounds very cool.

My guess is 1/2 ton, as my 3/4 ton has almost flat frame rails over the rear end (1939), and my fathers 1/2 ton has a frame similar to yours.