How strong is the rear axle on these 1/2 ton trucks (hauling with air bags question)
 

I have been occasionally hauling a lot of weight with my truck.

It will hold about 3000# before the overload bumpers start to touch in the back.

With it loaded down this much, and hitting big dips in the road, it seems like a lot of stress is put on the axle.

If I add some bags to keep it from "bottoming out" while driving, will the axle be able to handle the weight OK?

I know some people might say to get a HD truck, but I only need to haul occasionally, like 10-20 times a year. It's my DD otherwise.

my buddy's grandpa has a flatbed bale bed on his 2001 1/2ton(light duty) z-71 hauls many many bales with it...no airbags. we are fixin to put some on it though
http://www.geocities.com/dozerdan132.../harvest16.jpg

check out your payload capacity sticker in the drivers door... it's only a few hundred pounds - you need to take into consideration this figure for the frame and bed of the truck's structural integrity. It's not designed for that load, you can EASILY get a trailer and properly loaded (not too much tongue weight) pull this behind the truck well within specifications.

Easily, like $2500 later.
I know a trailer would be better for the truck.

GM lists the payload at 1382# and the rear axle is rated for 3750#.

I am just wondering if anyone can tell me from experience, if airbags might be a good idea, or if the axle really can't take the weight.

My buddy is run air bags on his 2-4 dropped z-71 when he tows a big camper. He says the help quite a bit. I may be getting some soon for mine when I lower it and start towing again

on my ecsb i had some helper bags on it. they did help quite a bit. thats what they're for is to aid in towin stuff