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Weight distribution SE vs SEL

Started by PMcG, 14 August 2020, 11:03 PM

PMcG

Hi, was curious if anyone on here knew why a '76 450SE's total weight is listed on its ID as 5140 GAWR with 2520/2620 front/rear, and a friend's '79 SEL is 5020 GAWR and 2460/2560 lbs., front/rear.  Was surprised that the shorter '76 SE was 100 lbs. heavier than the '79 SEL.  Anyone know?
1976 450 SE
Diamond Blue Metallic / Navy Blue

Alec300SD

#1
GAWR is not the weight of a vehicle.

Curb weight of a '76 450 SE  is 3944 lbs, the maximum weight the axles can support (or GAWR) is 5140 lbs.
So carrying capacity is 1196 lbs.

Curb weight of a '79 450SEL is about 3990 lbs, the GAWR is 5020 lbs.
Carrying capacity is 1030 lbs.

The '79 450SEL weighs more than a '76 450SE, as one would suspect. but the '79 450SEL's axles are not rated for as much of a total load.
EDIT: Probably to have a softer ride quality for for the VIP(s) sitting in the rear compartment.
78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022