Snow Plow Prep and Sport Package

[Archive]

Anyone know why Snow Plow Prep and the Sport Package cannot be ordered together? It apears the snow plow prep might make the truck sit level. The brochure says the snow plow prep is "computer selected" front springs. #ad


Does anyone have this combo?

Thanks,

Mick2500

------------------
2001 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Ordered 5/01/00... Cancelled 5/30/00... re-ordered 6/02/00... Cancelled again by DC 6/05/00
Gauges (EGT/Boost) and A-Pillar mount Here, 4" Exhaust, Here.

 

[Archive]

I just wonder why you might need a snow plow in Tucson?

 

[Archive]

Snow Plow = weight.
Winches, Pipe Bumpers, etc = weight.
I live in the South, and they really looked at me a little strange when I added the Snow Plow prep group, but I think I did the right thing!

------------------
2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Dual Gauge (Pyro & Boost)

 

[Archive]

Tucson is a short 30 minute drive from Mt. Lemmon - a 7800' mountain that gets plenty of snow. It even has a ski area!

I ordered the Snow Plow Prep group as well (yeah, I live in PHX). For the 85 bucks, I get the benefit of thinking I can add additional weight to the front bumper. I wanted the HD transfer case since I'm sort of rough on them anyway.

Mick, if you get the snow plow option and a snow plow, you're welcome to plow the road to my cabin Lemmon for a beverage and BOMBing sessions #ad

 

[Archive]

illflem,
It's not the snow plow I want, it's the uprated front springs. I've seen lots of 2500 4X4's that sit much higher in the rear and I'd like to level the truck if I could without a lift kit.

My problem is that the option seems mutually exclusive with the Sport Package.

Trinary,

What mile marker? #ad
#ad
My buddy and I ride up there most Sat mornings for breakfast at the Cafe. I think it's actually over 9,000 ft at one point but once you're above 7,000 it doesn't much matter... #ad
I live down here at 3,000 ft and we can be 'on top' in about 35 minutes. Sure is nice in the summer months. #ad


Mick2500

------------------
2001 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Ordered 5/01/00... Cancelled 5/30/00... re-ordered 6/02/00... Cancelled again by DC 6/05/00
Gauges (EGT/Boost) and A-Pillar mount Here, 4" Exhaust, Here.

 

[Archive]

I'd suggest get whatever trim you want and then get some Skyjacker front springs & control arms.

I just added them to mine -- WOW what a difference in ride and control -- they also leveled the truck out and I can fit 35" tires now if I want.

I've ridden in trucks with the snow plow prep package -- the springs are too stiff for my taste. By the way, they do NOT level out the truck like the Skyjacker springs do. Besides, that package is way overpriced for what you get.

 

[Archive]

Thanks Kyle,
I was hoping that the $85 option would provide the added lift in the front, guess that isn't true. #ad


Mick2500

------------------
2001 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Ordered 5/01/00... Cancelled 5/30/00... re-ordered 6/02/00... Cancelled again by DC 6/05/00
Gauges (EGT/Boost) and A-Pillar mount Here, 4" Exhaust, Here.

 

[Archive]

I've seen quite a few trucks on the lots now with plow packages and they don't make the truck sit level. Most of them were 1/2-3/4" in higher,but one had the stock height.
You can always get the springs from the parts dept for about $90 each,and instead of going with the 047 and 046 use the 048 and 047 or something. That's what I'm thinking of doing.

-Mike

 

[Archive]

Mick,

The plow prep pkg was not available with the "sport" due to the lower front panel below the bumper. The plow frame would not clear this. This was the reason I told to me by my salemen, and I believe it to be true.

The $100 or so the plow prep costs included heavier front springs, ATF overheat light, HD transfer case, and HD clutch fan. A bargain in my book.


For your info, I have the plow, tow, and camper pkg's. The truck sits quite a bit higher in the rear, and I don't find the front to stiff. If you are looking to level out the truck, probably best look at aftermarket springs.

Dave

[This message has been edited by DaveO (edited 07-05-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

I've looked at several trucks with and without the snow plow prep and they ALL had the same spring combinations. I think the package gives you no change in springs.

------------------
Rob Spading -- TDR Webmaster
1996 3500 CCab, 4X4, Black, Rickson 19. 5", Mag-Hytec Rear/Trans covers, Primeloc, TST 230/605, Westach Gauges, JRE 4" Exhaust, BD Valve Body & TC, American Toolbox/Tank -- -- Coming soon ... BD Brake, Torqloc, Pressure Lock, Espar Heater.

 

[Archive]

The snowplow prep package does raise the front a bit, but not so as you would notice it. It is, however, the cheapest way to get the heavy duty transfer case and AT overheat warning light. Having had two 2500s with the snowplow package, it rides alright with me.

------------------
2001 2500 SLT, QC,4X4, AUTO, 3. 54, White/Agate, Camper Special, Trailer Tow w/ Trailer Tow Mirrors, Snow Plow Package, Westin nerf bars, K&N air filter, Rhino lined, clearance lights, fog lights.

 

[Archive]

I am doing what MikeR said. My truck came with 46/39 front springs. I bought 48/47 springs to replace them with. If I ever get the time to put them on. I don't know if they will make the truck sit much higher, but it will stiffen up the front end as they are higher rate springs. I originally bought them to see if the stiffer front springs would change the brake performance.

------------------
99'2500 SLT QC LB 4x4
white/agate, 5spd, trailer, camper, 3. 55LSD, 241HD, cab lights, 3500 tailgate lights, mopar mud flaps, luverne SS nerfs, diamond plate rails, Weatherguard box, Banks 4inch, Isspro Boost/EGT gauges(pre), 265 BFG KO's, ... more to come

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by DaveO:
The plow prep pkg was not available with the "sport" due to the lower front panel below the bumper. The plow frame would not clear this. This was the reason I told to me by my salemen, and I believe it to be true.

The $100 or so the plow prep costs included heavier front springs, ATF overheat light, HD transfer case, and HD clutch fan. A bargain in my book.


For your info, I have the plow, tow, and camper pkg's. The truck sits quite a bit higher in the rear, and I don't find the front to stiff. If you are looking to level out the truck, probably best look at aftermarket springs.

There is a plow frame available for the Sport Rams. I know Meyer makes one.

As to the plow prep group, most of this should be on the truck as ordered with a Cummins.

In 1999, the Cummins option deleted the plow option, since the axle was not rated for the weight. This changed in '00. The only thing you need for a plow now is the proper frame and all the goodies to install the wiring etc. I seriously doubt the springs are any heavier than the stock set, but I have no proof other than no statement that they are in fact rated at more load. All it says is computer matched, so this leads me to believe they are matched to provide better handling with all that weight hanging out there.

------------------
Y2K 2500 QC Sport 4x4 LWB
72 Dart 340
89 LeBaron GTC 2. 2 TI

 

[Archive]

Thanks DaveO for educating me.

I thought you got a HD transfer case and HD clutch fan as part of the other upgrades that came automatically when you get the diesel on a 4x4. I got mine with the HD x-fer case, fan, etc. but no show plow prep. I learn something new all the time on this board.

Anyway, if you don't automatically get these upgrades with the diesel, then $85 might be money well spent.

I just read my earlier post and discovered that after typing, changing my mind, deleting, typing, etc, I ended up saying just the opposite of what I meant to say. I meant to say the snow plow springs are a little too SOFT for my taste. (that's what I get for not proofing my post before I click "Submit"). DaveO is right, they are stiffer than the "regular" front springs, but probably not "too" stiff. They weren't as stiff as what I wanted.

I'm not aware of any combination of factory options that will actually level the truck (however I've been wrong before as you know by now). If you want it level you'll probably have to look at a lift. The spacers will do this fairly economically but you'll still be running on factory springs so you'll need to decide if they're stiff enough for you.

If you switch to aftermarket springs you can get it level and stiffen up the front at the same time. Plus you can get replacement control arms that have less flex, poly bushings, and are greasable. I've done this and have a much tighter feeling front, level ride, and the stiffer front springs.

I think that leveling the truck helps the braking a little -- it makes sense when you think about the weight distribution, but raising the front 2 inches may not make enough difference in the braking to notice. What really helps the braking is keeping an eye on those rear brakes and keeping them adjusted.

I'm trying not to harp too much on the Skyjacker stuff. I'm sure there are as many people using spacers to level their trucks that are just as happy -- not to mention those that haven't lifted them at all.

Anyway, I can't recommend these new front springs enough -- I love mine.

 

[Archive]

Thanks for the education guys! I don't plan on ever installing the actual plow-frame OR a snow plow (this IS Tucson as someone pointed out and I don't think there would be enough profit plowing the road to Trinary's cabin once or twice a year). #ad


Mick2500

------------------
2001 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Ordered 5/01/00... Cancelled 5/30/00... re-ordered 6/02/00... Cancelled again by DC 6/05/00
Gauges (EGT/Boost) and A-Pillar mount Here, 4" Exhaust, Here.

 

[Archive]

The front springs fro the plow pkg are selected by computer. I believe their program takes into account the other options that are ordered also. I know the springs on my truck are different than the other trucks on the lot I looked at. What springs you get depends on what other options you have. Dave Fritz had speculated that if you don't order a "comfort pkg", i. e. leather, that you get heavier springs.

As far as the HD transfer case, ATF overheat light, I don't think they come with the ETC/ETH pkg, as they are NOT listed in them.

Dave