2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 96 Ram 4x4 CTD as plow truck?

[PGaither]

I have a 96 Ram 4x4 CTD, I beleive I have the plow package (how do I know for sure?). My question is; how are these trucks at plowing snow? With all that tourque the CTD must be a great engine for snow plowing work..... how does the transmission handle the strains of plowing? I have 160,ooo miles on my truck w/stock transmission. I would only plow my driveway, and 3-4 other residential driveways per storm (nothing comercial, like parking lots or annything... ), and I live in New England (Massachusets). Is it recomended to have a "built" transmission to handle the plowing? Or can my stock trans. take it? Any plows, or setups recomended for the Dodge?

 

[ndurbin]

I have no exprience plowing with trucks. Have had some exprience with tractors tho. I have heard if not done right it can be hard on the trucks. I'm sure there are others with more knowledge but this is what I've heard.

 

[JNeiman]

They make awesome plow trucks. We have 7. 5' western plow on the 2500 and it is unstopable. We also have studded snows and about 600#s in the bed, but the more weight the better. The truck has a stock auto, 4. 10s, and edge EZ. 90% of the time I plow I use low range. The torque is great and it is also much easier on the transmission. The only thing you lose on is reverse speed, but saving the transmission is worth it. If you are looking for a new plow, we have a 9' Hiniker on another truck, and it is the easiest to hook up and does a very nice job. It is highly recommended. Just remember, load up the bed with wieght because between the weight of the engine and then a plow, things tend to get unbalanced. I plowed all weekend with no problems. Best of luck, JOE

 

[J Shocik]

I live in central Mass. and plow with my CTD. I have a 8' Fisher P/A minute mount. I also had my truck mildly "tuned" at Blue Chip Diesel in Hudson, N. H. As part of the work they did, it was suggested to have a larger valve body installed to allow better transmission fluid flow and lessen the chance of burning out the transmission. I have had no major problems to date, except a leak which is getting looked at on 12-12.



The truck is like a bulldozer in snow. I've plowed with many gas powered trucks and never experienced anything like this truck. It's an animal! Just because it's an animal, don't beat on it either. Baby it plowing, and it will take care of you. I don't recomend any plow longer than 8 ft. Even though the truck can handle a 9" blade, it's a lot of extra work on the truck, and a lot of extra work to handle while driving. I have Michelin XC/LT4's on mine, and had these tires on my last 3 plow trucks with no problems plowing.

 

[FJfonda]

I plow my driveway and 3 others..... with a 9' Fisher. Needed the 9' to clear the duallys. I Plow in low range mostly otherwise I wind up slipping the clutch in reverse as things get kinda tight. Definately load up the bed... and fasten it down, take your time and keep a set of chains handy. Great plow truck... .

 

[Gregg Mig]

I also live in central Peoples Republic of Massachusetts and all I can say is that there is not a pile of snow these trucks can't move. I plow a huge parking lot with mine along with 6 more smaller accounts and it is awesome. I have the 6 speed and there is very few times I even have to step on the accelerator pedal. If you are the one plowing with it you will not have any problems. Gregg

 

[Hammer]

Go to your local dealership and have them run the vin number and they can tell you all the options on the truck and if its plow prepped equipped... ... . Andy