One-Ton vs Half-Ton, differences & load capacity

[hoffsta]

I have a 97, v6, 5-sp, 2wd, Xtra-Cab. I want to know what parts need to be upgraded to increase load carrying capacity up to one-ton. What are the differences between the stock one-ton and half-ton T-100s? I assume the leaf springs are beefier but what else??

Also, does the T-100 have a fully boxed ladder frame like the pre-Tacoma compact trucks or is it weaker like the Tacoma and Tundra?

[BamZipPow]

I think the brakes are different...not sure about the frame...

You could look it up on ToyoDIY.com and see what comes up...

Yes...the T-100 has a fully boxed frame.

[knj27]

honestly i've seen the "half-ton" t100's move close to a ton on several occasions. doesn't mean the braking situation was safe though...

and yes, the t100 managed to barely escape with it's fully boxed frame in tact...

[illnastyimpreza]

Originally Posted by hoffsta

I have a 97, v6, 5-sp, 2wd, Xtra-Cab. I want to know what parts need to be upgraded to increase load carrying capacity up to one-ton. What are the differences between the stock one-ton and half-ton T-100s? I assume the leaf springs are beefier but what else??

Also, does the T-100 have a fully boxed ladder frame like the pre-Tacoma compact trucks or is it weaker like the Tacoma and Tundra?

wait a minute... so our T100 trucks have a stronger and better designed frame than the newer Tundra ? exactly how is it different?

I know I have heard you guys saying the T100 is a better truck. What other aspects are there as well ??

[knj27]

^The T100 is a fully boxed frame front to back. Post-T100 trucks use c-channel frames for the rear portion of the truck.

[illnastyimpreza]

ahh. sweet.

How can I tell if my 96 3.4L is a full ton ?? or half ton or whatever ??

[knj27]

Check the sticker in the door jamb I would bet.

I think you'd have known about it when you bought it if you were getting the 1 ton model. Is it a 6 or 8 foot bed?

[illnastyimpreza]

its a xtra cab 6ft bed. I will have to check the jam in the morning. Does it litterally say, "1 ton" ??

[knj27]

I don't think it would literally say "1 ton" you would have to look at the vin code/axle code and use the owners manual to interpret. Not positive if the code includes that info or not, but I believe it does.

But it doesn't matter because I don't think there were any one ton models with six foot beds. And the one ton was discontinued in 96, although there may have been a few 96 one tons made.

[illnastyimpreza]

whats the biggest difference between the 2, spec wise ?

[knj27]

One carries a half ton and one carries one ton

[illnastyimpreza]

Is the front end completely different? to allow for plowing and whatnot? How do our trucks do on that ?

[knj27]

I wouldn't think the front end is different. Supporting a lot more weight in the front, if you needed to, would require heavier torsion bars.

[robiewp]

I would be amazed if there were any real difference outside of leafs, etc.

[NORTY]

The 1 ton models have much larger diameter rear brakes. Requires larger shoes.
The half ton trucks carry 1500lbs, and the 1 ton trucks carry 4000...

At that weight, tires become a concern, that's why my Michelins have 50psi.
[IMG][/IMG]