Tow capacity upgrade

[CruiseLifeB]

I have a 98 K1500 5.7L with 4L60e trans.
What are all things I would need to take into account, to increase the tow capacity I would like it to be at least 10-15,000lbs.

 

[1997]

sell it and buy a 2500HD, duramax.

 

[GoToGuy]

LOL

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I have a 98 K1500 5.7L with 4L60e trans.
What are all things I would need to take into account, to increase the tow capacity I would like it to be at least 10-15,000lbs.

Simplest is to get a bigger truck, 2500 8 lug or 3500. You get the higher capacity, plus all sorts of other goodies (necessary for towing bigger loads) like a stouter frame, heavier duty brakes, better suspension with more leaves in the rear, and most importantly (LoL) a real truck transmission (4L80E). I can haul some big loads with my C1500 Burb... BUT I know how to load trailer and Burb, and on anything other than flat ground I tow in D instead of OD. Plus Burb and big truck both have factory option towing package which includes the big hitch, and oil and transmission coolers. Some of these things are available for a half ton, but another thing to consider is, if you're hauling or towing beyond the truck's rated weight capacity/capability, and something goes sideways, if anyone gets hurt or someone else's property is damaged.... you're gonna be on the hook and in danger of a big lawsuit.

 

[GoToGuy]

Engine, transmission, suspension,

 

[GoToGuy]

That's 1 ton , dually territory

 

[Caman96]

…and a new frame.

 

[99xcss4]

14 bolt full float rear and or aam 11.5 rear get rid of that 4l60e and put a 4l80e th400/3l80 sm465 sm420 or a nv4500 in its place coil over rear shocks ht383e crate or blueprint 383 vortec crate or ht502 crate with 454 l29 fuel system 8 leaf pack 7 leafs + over load and also a top helper spring for 9 leafs in all change to at least 4.10:1 gears cut off the front half of your frame and graft on the front half of a K3500 frame to get better brakes in the front get 1 ton torsion bars convert to hydroboost brake setup

 

[GoToGuy]

On the glove box door what does the GCVWR have ?
Gross combined vehicle weight rating, that's the max the truck and trailer can weigh. That's based on how much it can pull uphill, how much the brakes can stop and what the truck can carry ( cargo)

 

[Supercharged111]

Nobody is talking the limitations of a short wheelbase and the low curb weight inherent in a 1500. Yes you can definitely bolt stuff on and increase towing capacity, but OP is trying to punch way above this. I've towed 11k many times with my heavily modified 1500 and it's just not enough truck when you compare it to how my dually handles it. I only just got my CCSB K2500 equipped to pull that trailer and honestly I'm not sure it'll handle it much better than the 1500 despite being longer and nearly 1000# heavier than it.