New old truck

[hrcarver]

Just got a 2004 2500hd chevy with 65k miles. 6.0L with the 4.10 rear end. I tow 8k a couple times a month, and 10.5k once a year. I wanted a diesel, but I was having a hard time finding one at a decent price.

I borrowed a friends truck with the same setup(2003 6.0/4.10) towing the 10.5k load because I knew it was a stretch for my half ton. I was so impressed with how it handled it(rated to 10,100), I swapped my truck for one. My f150 was rated for 7800 lbs towing, and did not handle 8k very well at all. The chevy will do what it claims pretty easily. I do wish the payload was higher(9200 gvw), but with the wd hitch, I think I'll be fine. It's a step up from 7200 gvw on the f150.

I was considering adding some air bags on the back. I know that doesn't increase the gvw, but in yall's opinion, would they help handling when towing?

 

[bdeboer]

Timbrens might be something else to check out. They replace the bump stops and stiffen as they are compressed.