2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Frame different with plow package or not?

[BILLVO]

I was wondering what is different in the frame of the second gens with the snow plow package and those without?

 

[CSnyder]

Bill, the only difference in truck frames is light (7700 GVW) and heavy (8800 GVW) between 2500 and 3500 model trucks. You can easily tell the difference by the frame support under the Radiator support. It will either be a light brace or a heavy I beam style brace. Or if the cab is on it you can check the door jamb sticker.

 

[BILLVO]

Mine is 8800 gvw and has the I beam cross member but the dealer claims that it still isn't a plowpackage truck but can't tell me what is different.

 

[Mactruck]

The differences that I learned was when I bought my 2001 2500.



They included heavier duty springs, a skid plate for the Transfer case and an upgraded HD Transfer case.



It really has nothing to do with the frame - just the options on it.



a 2nd gen without a plow package can still handle plowing but it may sag more in the front end. If it does just get heavier duty springs.



The heaviest spring package available was the 46/47 spring package. It had to be a 3500 w/ a plow package and tow package I believe. Mine had a both options and came with 38/39 springs.



I have since replaced the springs with superlift springs and do not (yet) plow with my truck.

 

[BILLVO]

Mine has all those options and I too have put the heavy 988AA springs under the front of mine.



Thanks for the input guys.

 

[SRath]

Mine is a '96 2500 and the original owner went to great lengths to explain how he had to wait several months to get it because he ordered it with "one-ton 3500" springs. Whether any of that is accurate I don't know. It has the 241DLD t-case, nv4500, and D80 rear. So I don't think there is much "heavy-duty" about it due to the light-duty t-case, which continues to work fine.



I do use a Boss V snowplow and run larger 285R-16 tires with no problems. My truck does not seem to suffer from the front end sag that many guys claim is the reason to install spring spacers. They would make my frontend higher than the rear.



As for the I-beam crossmember, I think that would be redundant given the massive frame mount the Boss V uses and it's square tube crossmember. More so now that I have purchased the steering box brace from Solid Steel.



I would not worry about either the 2500 or the 3500 frames' abilities to support a snowplow or hold up to the abuse. My only worry has always been the doggone airbag... Hitting concrete parking bumpers and similar under the snow always makes me cringe. .