Load capacity ?
 

I'm looking to add a weaver crane to my 1930 pickup. I found an old ad stating its shipping weight 450lb's.

I installed the Ken Davis tube shock kit on both front and rear. New front spring and looking to replace the old rear spring to a 10 leaf. I have seen a ten leaf with three of the leafs made heavier. I can't find the load capacity for the model A pickup.
Would the standard ten leaf, in your opinion be enough? The beefed up ten leaf cost $650.

I have zero plans to tow anything, it's just for show. I do not have the original cab or bed, So it's just a toy to do whatever I wish.

Re: Load capacity ?
 

Attachment 510805
This is what I'm referring to. If it works

Re: Load capacity ?
 

I think you are about at the weight limit, but it should work.

My opinion,

Chris W.

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I have read were they would put them in trunks of cars. Never any mention of modifications. Not sure how they attached them and to what. You would think they would pull right out of the trunk when trying to tow a car.

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Add another leaf or two to the spring

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why not install a dual rear?

front end is going to float..............

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I didn't think of that. I have not taken one apart, to do so good be challenging I'm sure.

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I thought of the front end floating. The crane would have to be over the rear end, and forward as far as possible. There are several out there so they must drive reasonable, or not. :o

Re: Load capacity ?
 

Put 450 lbs of sand bags in the back. Move them around and see how it looks and handles.

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I can do that and see how much she squats. I have the motor crated to send to the shop right now so test drive won't happen for a while.

Re: Load capacity ?
 

I think the old pickups are 1/4 ton capacity, which means 500 pounds. I would be careful about putting too much weight aft of the rear wheels, making the front end light and ruining the handling. The crane would be better fitted on an AA truck, especially if you plan on using it as a crane. If you do mount it on the truck, be careful about going through any fast food places with limited vertical clearance.

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I agree the A models are more a 1/4 ton.
They advertised these crans to be used in trunks of cars as well as A and AA model trucks. If the crane uses up the weight capacity then you have no room left for towing a vehicle in my opinion. But yet they seemed to use them in cars also.
I also think if the cran is in the up position the truck could be a bit top heavy when turning.
I have the crane so I will just have to see what problems I might run into. I like a good challenge.

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There were three 10-leaf springs, A-5560A, A-5560D & A-5560E. The service replacement is an 8-leaf spring, A-5560B. The "A" pickup trucks with cranes are Models 236A with a light hydraulic hoist, 237A & 237B both with heavy hydraulic hoists. All three of these trucks have an under structure kit to reinforce the frame.

Re: Load capacity ?
 

Thanks Bob
I would like to see what that kit is as I do plan to reinforce the frame in some manner. I figure you would need a steel structure to mount the crane on.
Thanks for the info it's more than I could find.

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One of the frame under kits is listed as made of wood???? The others are steel.

Re: Load capacity ?
 

Picture

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Thanks Brokenvette
That's the same 2 ton unite I have.

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I've transported a '50 Merc engine in my widebed, with a Model T spring, no problem.

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I'm hoping that you are only putting this rig together for the fun of it, shows etc. I strongly advise that you DON'T EVER try to lift anything anywhere close to the rated capacity (4,000 lbs.) of the crane! You can add springs, reinforce the frame, install heavier wheels and tires, etc. but that crane was never meant to be used on a half ton Model A truck with the light axle that's under it.

Re: Load capacity ?