Snow Plow Prep Group -- Adjustable Springs?

[Runaway]

This truck came with the Snow Plow Prep Group, Says it has adjustable springs per the "sales brochure!" Any insight as to what is meant by this?

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"01" Forest Green QC/LB ETH/DEE,4x4, 3. 54LSD, VDO (boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars and Grill Gaurd, Delta tool box, K&N.
00 28' Jayco 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher

 

[Pete Peterson]

THe springs are not really adjustable but rather computer selected for a stiffer front end. If you look at the tags on the front end you will probably see tags that are either 46's or 47's. Those are pretty high spring rates because of the snow plow prep group. Pete

 

[Runaway]

Thanks Pete, will look at those later this week when it gets back up into the mid 30's (warmer). Come on spring... (no pun intended #ad
)

 

[Deezal Man]

What are your thoughts on the snowplow package? I didn't get it on my 98. 5. . But I'm wondering if I should on the 2002. I won't attach a plow, but I wonder if the stiffer front springs would be better.

Thoughts?

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[Todd T]

Deezal man the only thing i would have to add is that the stiffer springs would give you a harder ride however if you plan to add say a winch,brush guard,or renuel bumber then maybe they wouldnt be so bad.

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Todd,
2001 Q-cab SB 4x4 5spd 3. 55's, A pillar Boost/EGT,Jardines 4" turboback kit, and more to come...

 

[Pete Peterson]

DM, here is the deal. On a 2500 you get a LD transfer case and a moderate spring rate, now you can order the heavy duty transfer case for $100. 00 or you can order the snow plow prep group and get the heavy duty transfer case and computer matched springs for $185. 00 with a $85. 00 factory rebate, BUT you get heavier springs so order the snow plow group and your in bussiness!!!!!
Pete

 

[RobG]

I have 46's on the front of my 2001, without the snow plow package, and it rides great! I think it's much better than my '96 BECAUSE it's stiffer. I always felt that truck didn't have enough spring up front.

I also run my RS9000's on 4 in the front all the time. It seems to be the best combination of ride and handling.

Now if I could just build myself a bigger swaybar... #ad


Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate 4. 10 USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, Edge EZ, SPA Guages, Psychotty, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, DD 4" Exhaust, US Gear Exhaust Brake, etc.

 

[Tom C]

My '97 had LD springs and had a good ride. I never tried different shocks so I don't know if they would make it ride different.

My current ride has the snow plow package (HD springs). the ride if very firm. but not bouncy. I like it better than the LD springs.

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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.

 

[Jakebud]

Just took delivery of my 2500 Tuesday night last week with the snow plow prep group. I wouldn't have it any other way. The ride with the stiff springs is just fine. FYI, the drivers side spring is a 47 and the passenger side is a 46

 

[Deezal Man]

Sorry for being stupid, but what do you mean by 46 or 47? What number/rating is standard?

 

[Pete Peterson]

DM, there is no real standard for spring rating. I have seen 39's on 1 ton's and 3/4 ton. I think someplace on Dave Fritz's web site are the values for the spring numbers. The higher the number the heavier the spring. Pete

 

[Runaway]

Deezel Man, been on road so to answer your question, can't really tell any ride difference between the "99" and the "01" with the plow group.

But, you get the HD transfer case (this allows for PTO use), but isn't necessary as the 6-speed has a provision for a PTO.

[This message has been edited by Runaway (edited 03-09-2001). ]

 

[BK]

when I was buying mine, I thought I had read the same thing. . Adjustable springs. .
it really read "Height Adjusted springs". .
As everyone has said, it's a tighter spring with a higher spring rate.

[This message has been edited by bobk (edited 03-09-2001). ]

 

[Tom C]

the 2500's with the snow plow group have the same springs as a 3500. basically you'll have a one ton front end.

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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.

 

[Dave MacArthur]

Here's the info from Dave Fritz's site.
http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/suspension/springs.htm

 

[apkole]

Ordering specs for new trucks must have changed from when I ordered my '99. At the time I ordered, the diesel option and plow prep option were mutually exclusive. The window sticker has a big snow plow prep disclaimer which specifies that the truck is not equipped for snow plow installation. We had the 46's added after the truck came in. The HD transfer was ordered on the truck. Have you guys been ordering these trucks w/the plow prep. packages???

 

[Tom C]

APKOLE, Yes. I ordered mine in Nov. 2000. the snow plow prep group was $100. which includes NV241-HD transfer case, Transmission over heat warning light (auto's) and the stiffer spring on the drivers side.

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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.

 

[1tuffram]

Why is it most posts I see with spring rates very seldom have the same spring rate for both sides, and the drivers side always has the stiffer spring? Is this to accomadate the fuel tank and/or drivers weight?

Is the different springs done intentionally or do they grab springs out of a bin on the assembly line and if the rates are close they say "good 'nuff". #ad

 

[Big-D]

Don't know this for certain, but feel the heavier front spring is on the driver's side because the plow tip sticks out a greater distance then the right side. Being the plow blade is further away from the hinge point on the left side, a greater weight needs to be carried on that side.

I'm not an engineer, but seems resonable to me... but then again, may be the person doing the installation during assembly didn't know the difference between 46 and 47.