2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Lite Snowplows for a '97

[FATCAT]

Thinking about a snowplow for the old truck, but with the 4,850 lb. front axle rating and a long bed extended-cab ... it seems most plows are off limits.



I know that my truck does not have a snowplow prep package since it was not available when I bought it (thats rediculous).



How about these new fangled poly plows, wouldn't they weight a lot less than the steel ones? Looking for home and a few neighbors, use only ... if I decide to go for a plow over a snow thrower.



So ... who makes a good one ... Fisher, Western, Diamond, Myers, etc... ...

 

[esommer2500]

Actually, when I was looking on Western's site, the specs on the poly plows showed that they weighed more than a comparable steel plow. The main advantage of the poly is that the snow will not stick, and they throw it forward better. They are also more expensive.



Check out the websites for each, all of them are good. I have a preference to Hiniker and Western for some reason, but it will be awhile until I get a plow. Happy hunting.



Eric

 

[lmills]

not sure how much you plan to use it but check out this Its $1000

 

[JoeyD]

I would get a 8' Fisher set up and don't sweat the front end. If it sags to much upgade the coils.

 

[pro99]

snow plow

Just a heads up the pdr hx40 turbo is a great turbo but does not like being ramped up then shut down fast. That what’s happens when you plow. I have replaced turbos here in Michigan on plow truck of snapped shafts. I am a heavy mechanic at a dodge dlr, I’m not trying to tell you what to do but be careful in plowing with a diesel. Dc sts they don't want plows put on diesel trucks. If the front sets to low then upgrade the springs.

 

[Bigramguy]

Don't sweat the front end.



I have hung 9 to 12 ft plows off the front of our trucks with no problems.



An 8 ft will give you no trouble on that truck. It will sag a bit in the front,adding a set of tibrens will help. The heavier springs make the truck ride pretty harsh.



The correct amount of ballast will also help pull weight off the front end.



Fisher or Western are probably the best strength vs weight plows you could install.



If you need more info,drop me a line

 

[FATCAT]

PROTURBO99,

Thanks for the warning about the turbo ... this make me rethink the idea of a plow. That PDR HX40 turbo is great (and expensive) and I don't want to sacrafice it to a mound of snow.

I don't see by DC would not want plows put on diesel trucks ... I would figure that a diesel would be the perfect truck engine ... all that torque and weight would be good for plowing.

I don't know why DC doesn't put some 6 or 7K axles under the front ends ... how much more would it cost them? The consumers would pick up the small cost anyway.



Again, the only use for the plow would be my driveway and a few neighbors ... no commercial stuff.



Maybe the snow thrower would be the better way to go.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I have a 9' Fisher that I hang on the front of my truck. I do my driveway, my fathers and a few neighbors. I used to have a huge driveway so that's why I ended up with a plow. DC does not recommend a plow on the 3500 QC but I put the Skyjacker 2 inch over springs on and I go slow on bumpy roads (speed limit or less) and don't travel too much with the plow on, 20 miles max. I put 255 BFG MT's on and I can tell you I have never plowed with a more able pick-up. As you can see I have the 5 speed also and just doing small driveways I am usually at idle or just above in first gear and ease up to snow banks, I don't run into snowbanks at 30 mph, so I don't think I would have the turbo problem or would anyone else. I know a local contractor that has used Dodge diesels since they came out for plowing and says he wouldn't have it any other way. Just remember that you're adding almost 1,000 extra pounds to the front of the truck and drive it as such and you won't have a problem.

 

[pro99]

you are welcome

You may get away with a plow if you don't spool the turbo up quick and then shut it down fast. I know of people that have plows on their trucks with no concerns but on the other hand I have replaced allot of them too. I would really hate to see you spend the money on a plow, then a new turbo later. If the driveways are not that big then I would get a snow thrower. You can get a nice one cheep and you won’t be caring around allot of weight on the front end of your truck and They take up less space too.

 

[vssman]

Re: snow plow

Originally posted by PROTURBO99

Dc sts they don't want plows put on diesel trucks.

That's funny, my 96 has a snow plow prep package on it. It's only a regular cab though. I know the dealer wouldn't sell a plow on a stick truck Maybe QC's will tip the max axle weight with a plow hanging off the front? I'd have a local plow dealer weigh the front and tell you what fits. I've used Fisher, Diamond and Myers. Go with a plow that has a trip blade edge (Fisher)instead of a full trip plow (Myers).

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

There was a year or two that you could not get a plow prep package with the cummins

 

[Bigramguy]

Go here and do some reading before you decide.



www.plowsite.com