HI

I'm looking at purchasing a 2002-2004 ext cab silverado 4x4 5.3l and have a few questions. Are there any significant frame strength improvements in these years ? In addition I'm interested to see if there are any comments as to the weakest parts of the frame. The truck is just shy of the payload capacity that I need as a weekend warrior doing tree work. The truck will be used on weekends to haul wood chips weighing about 2300lbs. If you guys have any suggestions as to the best way to gusset the frame or strengthen it slightly , it would be appreciated.I know I could go with the 3/4 ton but the 6.0l vortec is too hard on gas and the ext cab 5.3 beefed up slightly would probably get me by as a work/pleasure vehicle. Yes I Intend on putting overloaders on the truck. I know you guys must have pushed this vehicle to it's limits and learned it,s weak points.Gusset points ,crossmembers whatever you can advise or links to sites that have ideas on the subject greatly appreciated . Thanks ahead of time!!  

Which each new generation, GM has weakened the 1/2 ton truck from frame to springs to make it ride like a car. You might get 2300 lbs or wood chips in it but you will be dragging your butt big time and overloading the rear 10 bolt axle which is only rated at about 4000 lbs (total vehicle and load weight). You really need a 2500 here if you want to haul that weight safely. While you could have gotten away with that with a 99 or older 1/2 ton truck (especailly a 87 on back one) it is not going to fly with newer one. Something else to consider is if you can is to get a trailer to haul it with and pull it with 1/2 ton truck. BTW, you are not going to save that much fuel in exchange for greatly reduced load capacity. If you want to push the capacity on a 1/2 ton get a standard cab one as frame is stiffer for its span and will do better with a serious over load. GM does not make a new stronger frame for extended cabs, they just cut and splice standard frame to do job. 2500 has a decent frame in rear.