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

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?

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

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

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

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...

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 ??

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

ahh. sweet.

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

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?

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

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.

whats the biggest difference between the 2, spec wise ?

One carries a half ton and one carries one ton :giggle:

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

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.

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

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.:thumbsup:
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/NORTY01/08-2007GTG012.jpg

^ thats a BIG bed ! :cool:

^ thats a BIG bed ! :cool:

That's just the normal 8' regular cab bed... ;)

That's just the normal 8' regular cab bed... ;)Yup, I can take a unit of plywood, or 2 pallets of anything, or 3 Hayabusas!