Posted by Matt Wilson on Saturday, January 24, 2004 at 6:15PM :
Just curious about something:
Through the years, the original (some call it flatfender) Power Wagon came in various gross weight ratings, with all of them being nominally called 1-ton. I think the lightest gross weight rating was about 7900 lbs, others were 8700 lbs (like mine), and still others were 9500 lbs.
I'm trying to figure out what the differences were between these vehicles, that would allow Dodge engineers to assign their various gross weight ratings. I think the main things that probably would influence this are the strengths of the frame, springs and axle housings.
I believe the frame did not undergo any structural changes over the years, but I'm not sure about this. I know there were various spring ratings, some having more leaves than others, and some having overload leaves. I also know that the axle gross weight rating increased from 5500 lbs to 6500 lbs sometime during the early or mid 1950's.
I'm just wondering what it would take for someone to increase the gross weight capacity of a Power Wagon, but still use flatfender Power Wagon parts. I'm sure a person doing this would need to get a hold of the heavier duty springs. But what about the frame? Is there a difference in the frames that I'm not aware of? And is there really any difference between the lighter rated axle housings and the heavier rated ones? Are the axle tubes thicker, or made of stronger material? Or did Dodge just decide that the axle housings were good for more weight than they originally thought, so they raised the rated capacity from 5500 lbs to 6500 lbs?
I don't know if there is anyone out there who knows the answers to these questions, but as an engineer and an Power Wagon enthusiast, I'm interested to know about this stuff.
Like I said, this question is purely out of curiosity, as I have no desire or intention to try to increase the capacity of my truck.
Thanks,
Matt
Follow Ups: