Snow Plow option and Camper Special option

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When I order my 3500 4X4 I don't know if I should order the snow plow option and Camper Special. From what I have read the Snow Plow option is HD and has computer selected springs, heavy duty transfer case and a temp gauge for the AT transmission. Here is my question. Are the springs on the Snow Plow option bigger than the springs that would normally come on my 3500? The Camper Special gives me Aux springs and a stabilizer bar. I will not be using my truck to plow, but this is a free option. I also will not have a Camper on the bed of my truck. How do these options affect the handling of the 3500 4X4? The dealer did not seem to know that much about the value of these options. Please enlighten me so I don't order something just because I think it is heavy duty but really isn't. I won't be pulling anything over 8,000lbs or putting more than 2,000lbs in the bed of my truck. Your input is appreicated.

Thanks
Dennis

 

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One more thing. I plan on keeping this truck for a long time. Will these options keep my truck from sagging as it gets older? #ad


Dennis

 

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Dennis-
I debated over the same issues. I chose to leave off the snow plow (because it is not recommended for camper applications) but I would definitely get the camper special. I think that the snow plow group makes more of a difference on the 2500's rather than the 3500's. When I received my 3500 4x4, it came with 046 springs on both sides (nice and stiff). The camper special will give you a sway bar and some overload springs. The overload springs will rarely be used but they are there if you really max out your payload. The overload springs will add a small amount to the height of the rear of the truck. But this is your baby, so get exactly what YOU want! Good luck,

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec Differential Cover, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.

 

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<font color=blue> Dennis, you've now been touched by the dark side and there's no turning back! #ad
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From what you've stated, the snow plough option may be OTT for your specific needs, but given that you're going to be running empty or lightly loaded, I'd recommend you check out this TDR member's link, Roadmaster which will make a big difference to your ride. There's been plenty of correspondence here in the forum - just check back through the last few months and the TDR archives.

<font color=black>



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JMc

2001 Flame Red Sport 3500 QC, 5. 9L 24v Cummins, 4x4 Auto, 3. 54/LSD, 155 inch WB, Agate leather, Camper Special & Trailer Tow Groups , Sliding Rear Window, WAAG sidetubes with dually kickouts, Line-X UTR Bedliner & underseal, Grover Airhorns, Lance 1130 slide-in Camper, 60 gallon Aerotank, RS9000s, Reese Titan class 5 hitch, Roadmaster XX, in planning stages... . Gauges, Mag-Hytec, Exhaust Brake, Psychotty Air, Prime-Loc, 4" exhaust, Injectors, Rickson 19. 5" wheels, , Bill K. VB & TC.

 

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I ordered the Plow package aftyer much research on this site and others. I don't plan to put on a plow, but I do want the heaver frt. springs. I do plan on addihng a winch and don't want the front end to sag. .

Good Luck

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On Order: 2001 Silver 2500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Snow Plow Group, Clearance lights, most options, no leather.

 

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What are the various stiffnesses (is that a word?) of front springs that can be bought over the parts counter? Is there a listing of the rates and part numbers somewhere?

I wouldn't mind a little stiffer spring up front on my '01 3500, and at some point a bigger front swaybar...

Rob

 

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John, So the snow plow option does come with heavier spring? Where do I find information on the difference in spring rate?
Thanks
Dennis

 

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This must be a new option or re-introduced from DC. When I ordered my 99, the Cummins option and plow prep codes could not be entered on the same order. My dealer did order the 046 springs for me after the truck was delivered, as those seem to work the best for the added plow weight. I was told that absent the plow on the truck, the ride would be about the same as the coil spring load carrying capacity is progressive in nature. To wit, the heavier the load, the stiffer the spring becomes. Does this sound right???

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1999 2500 4wd std cab, Rhino liner, Boss 8' front & custom 7' rear blade for snow removal
1991 W250 4WD 155k mi same as above for plow set up

 

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Dennis,

The springs are computer selected depending on the type of truck and all of the options that you add. Your dealer should have a spec book that shows the various spring rates and combinations. I don't know if you can override the computer and order the exact springs that you want. I think Fritz's Ram page has a section that covers truck configurations and spring numbers. Don't have the URL handy right now.

I ordered a 2001. 5 QC 4x4 LWB Auto with everything but leather and got the 46/47 front spring combination.

Dave D

 

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Dennis,

The other reason to consider the heavier springs (plow package) is that you get another 2" of height/clearance in your front wheel wells. This is helpful if you ever want to add taller tires and front mudflaps. My local 4x4 "authority" (guy's that add lift kits, professionally) told me that the heavier springs ordered for the two package work perfectly for this application. I wish I had 'em on my 2500. I ended up adding 2" "blocks" (dense rubber grommets and metal washers) that sit on top of the front coil springs. This gave me just enough clearance to run BFG 285-75-R16 AT tires. If I had also gotten the heavier springs, I could've mounted up the BFG 315s, which are really awesome looking.

The point another poster raised about adding a winch is also valid. I've added a lot of weight to the front of my truck. Wish I had the heavier springs...

If you get the heavy springs, consider adding Rancho RS-9000 shocks. That way you can "dial in" the ride, regardless of the stiffness the heavier front springs might add...



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97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake, Optima, "Red-top" batteries. Northwest Custom mudflaps, front/rear, and stainless rocker panels.

 

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Sasquatch, did you have to get the front end aligned after you put in the 2" spacers on the front coils? A buddy of mine put em' on his truck and didn't know if he should get the front end aligned or not.

Pat
2001 QC ETH DEE 4x4

 

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Coasty:

Good question about the alignment. I don't remember if I had the alignment done right after the spacer install, or not. I have the truck aligned twice a year -- every second time that I rotate the tires, or about every 10,000 miles. This has resulted in much better wear life for my tires and I'm pretty sure less wear and tear on the steering/suspension components, too. My track bar, pitman arm and other steering/suspension components show almost no movement/wear at all, after 70,000 miles. I'm also getting close to 40,000 miles out of a set of BFG tires, which is pretty good for a 7500 pound truck. I'm convinced that regular rotations and alignments help to extend tire life to the max...

I've got a friend who bought his truck from the same dealership in Pell City, Alabama. His truck is a year and a half newer, and he's never had it aligned -- not once. He's got about 50,000 miles on his truck and is mid-way through (wear wise) his third set of tires.

I think alignments (@ $50. 00) are really "cheap insurance," against steering failure mishaps, and an underrated maintenance procedure in general. They give a qualified service technician a really good opportunity to do a thorough inspection of your truck's steering linkages several times each year, plus check for seal leaks, and other stuff -- and that's just a common sense precaution -- particularly with our problem-prone steering boxes...

 

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Dennis,

I have an '01 2500 QC SB 4X4 with the plow/camper pkgs. Truck is loaded except for heated leather/4 wheel anti. You can't get the the "SLT+" or "sport" pkg with plow prep.

The springs will vary depending on your other options. Mine were 046/047. I like the way the truck rides/sits. It handles VERY well for the size that it is, and tows awesome.

If I remember correctly the plow pkg includes different springs, HD transfer case, and an overheat light for the auto trans.

I recommend the plow/camper/tow pkgs.

Dave

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2001 2500 ISB,4X4,QC,SB,AUTO,3. 55's,BLACK,AGATE LEATHER,SLT,every option except heated leather/4whl anti

[This message has been edited by DaveO (edited 11-03-2000). ]

 

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Here is the link to Dave Fritz's site regarding front springs. Scroll down to see all the info.
http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/Ram/bumper/frontbumper.htm

Dave.

p. s.

I wish I had gotten the snow plow prep option. It was available with the Diesel when I ordered in 8/98. Got some bad advice from the salesman. Will probably be changing out the front springs sometime soon.

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99 QC SB 4x4 Auto
Factory Ordered
Most Options

 

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I guess I still don't get it on this front spring option. If I am never going to add anymore weigh to the front of my 3500 4x4 will the standard springs do the job ( good ride and not sag ). Also if you do go with the snow plow option why do they put two different rated springs on the front of the truck ( 39/47 )? doesn't that make it ride funny. Sorry for being so dense.

 

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The thing I like about the camper package is the rear sway bar. I did have the rear wheel hop on I-5 while in Seattle. The truck handles real well other wise and corners great, I think the rear sway bar helps alot. It sounds like your truck will be carrying some loads. The height of the load and the roads travelled may make you want the rear sway bar.

 

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CoastyAV8R, you do need to have the front end aligned after installing coil spacers, among other things they will significantly increase toe in, due to the poor design of the steering geometry. I've heard the steering may have been different for a year or two (98-99?), but the new ones are the same as mine.

Firestone offers a lifetime alignement. Last I checked, it was around $120, but may have gone up. After the initial purchase, you can have it aligned at no cost as often as you want (within reason).

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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

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Hey Dennis! If the plow/camper pkg will not rase the price then why not get it. Free is the best price in the world, even if you don't need them, now, you might later.

 

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When I bought mine I needed a vehicle badly and I had to have a 4X4 SLT with a 5 speed and 3. 54s, trailer tow package, and club cab. My dealer located mine way outside the boundaries of this state and it was the only one available without having to order one. It came with the camper special package, and I like the way it handles. I never put one of those things onto my bed, either. I have put a whole lot of weight in there, though. 2400 lbs of frozen turkeys for a food bank delivery to be exact. The truck didn't even squat! #ad


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Chris Timochko
1997 5sp 4X4, HX40, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, Custom Tuned Injection Pump, 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, Water Injection, NOS Diesel Kit, 6" Chrome Exhaust System, No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. Test mule for Auto Wurks Diesel race program

 

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Dennis, I had to go with the Camper package because I wanted the Sway Bar. The Snow Plow prep was a just in case. . . We plan to keep the Limo for many years and could not see into the future well enough to know what our truck will be doing. So we got everything. It worked out well because we have decided to move to Colorado and can plow our own snow now. I think we paid 69 bucks for the prep. and it is now covered under warranty. How much do you figure it would cost if you decided to do it later? Only ALOT! I alos new that I would be BOMBing this truck someday so I wanted the H. O. Diesel and the 6 speed. These trucks are designed to WORK. It is much cheaper to have it put on at the factory than to add it on later. Just my two cents worth. #ad
Best of luck! Welcome to the CLUB! #ad
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2001 ETH 6spd 4X4 SLT

• Dark Garnet Red Pearlcoat
• A. R. E. MX Topper & Walk-thru Door
• 3. 54 Anti-Slip Diff.
• Trailer & Camper pkg.
• Turbo Silencer Ring in Glove Box
• Snow Plow Prep aka Moving to Colorado Prep

Nothin' could be sweeter than "Rammin' With My Newfys!!"