1/2 Ton?
- Thread starter spdway1
- Start date
Dave Mellor NJ
Well-known member
I have heard of the standard pickup being referred to as a 1/4 ton
1931stdcoupe
Junior Member
Doesn't 1/2 ton or 1/4 ton refer to the payload the vehicle is capable of carrying, not the weight of the vehicle?
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
Yes, the Model-A Pickup was listed as a ¼-Ton. Think about the rear spring capacity which is the limiting factor on weight capacity.
Cape Codder
Well-known member
My "AA" has helper springs in the rear attached under the standard springs, curved the opposite way. Also, the front spring has a helper spring attached under it as the rear! When I first purchased the truck I read that with these added springs it is rated as a 2 1/2 ton.
Anyone know for sure if the above info is correct?
Anyone know for sure if the above info is correct?
I worked for a few years with a company that did truck commercial truck up-fitting and frame modification for all sorts of commercial duty applications for light duty, medium duty and heavy duty, body installations, cranes, etc. so I saw firsthand the extra engineering that sometimes had to be done to make certain trucks fit for the service they were needed for.
It's not just the addition of helper springs that would automatically render the Model A pickup worthy of carrying an appreciable amount of excess weight. They can only do so much if you are planning to burden the Model A frame/suspension system with more weight than it was designed to carry. Don't forget to give strong consideration to the other suspension components in play that are directly affected by stresses and loads beyond designed limits such as the frame, axle shafts, axle tubes, axle bearings, wheels & tires, brakes, etc. With the Model A pickup bed overhang bias being more to the rear of the center of the rear axle, improper load distribution can have a dangerous effect on braking and handling and going around turns when loaded. The Model A pickup might be able to handle the extra loading you speak of while sitting still, but going down the road is a completely different matter. I urge you to be very careful here.
It's not just the addition of helper springs that would automatically render the Model A pickup worthy of carrying an appreciable amount of excess weight. They can only do so much if you are planning to burden the Model A frame/suspension system with more weight than it was designed to carry. Don't forget to give strong consideration to the other suspension components in play that are directly affected by stresses and loads beyond designed limits such as the frame, axle shafts, axle tubes, axle bearings, wheels & tires, brakes, etc. With the Model A pickup bed overhang bias being more to the rear of the center of the rear axle, improper load distribution can have a dangerous effect on braking and handling and going around turns when loaded. The Model A pickup might be able to handle the extra loading you speak of while sitting still, but going down the road is a completely different matter. I urge you to be very careful here.
spdway1
Well-known member
Yes, mine even has a set on the front too!