how much can i haul?
 

i have a 90 p/u 4x4 5spd 22RE with 31" mud tires stock gears and 226,000mi. the manual says i can only haul 1100lbs but i know most trucks can do more than they say. so i need to go from KY to MT hauling about 1600lbs, am i just asking for trouble? thanks for any input.

Your trucks tow rating should be about 30% ABOVE what you are towing to be safe FWIW......

i'm not towing it it's gonna be in the bed... would this still apply?

You should be fine then.......u just might be riding on the bumpstops

it will carry that much weight but overloading the truck will accelerate fatigue on the springs and they may sag afterwards.

well i'm plaining to put new springs on while i'm in MT anyway because my old ones are already saggy. it won't hurt the axel at all will it? or put to much stress on the engine?

That's quite a load, especially for stock springs. I've got super stiff NWOR 3 1/2" lift springs, and even these aren't good for hauling more than about a 1/3 of a yard of gravel. These trucks are only rated as a half ton. I can't imagine driving more than 20 miles with 1600 pounds in the back, not to mention the headlights will be pointing up at the stars, you'll be riding the bumpstops and bumps will HURT, and it will likely be a bit tippy. If you had to do any emergency maneuvers at 60mph, it could be a bit scary to say the least.

You'd be better off towing it in a trailer. If this were going to be a long term thing, you could install one of those coil spring kits with the inflatable air bags in them.

No the Toyota 8" rear axle is super strong. It can take compound low range and huge tires. Your axles won't even notice. The engine will be fine as long as you choose an appropriate gear.

I'd be more worried about the tires taking the weight.

Taking your time too will help. You're only going to go so fast, I know that. Drove my 89 with a full load from WA to VT. I don't think I passed one person across the whole country. I guess just as long as you don't push the engine too much. I had to replace my u-joints when I finished the drive, but they were probably going anyway.