Snow Plow Revisited

[rbattelle]

I was trying to price/equip my '03 and I have 2 questions (thus far):



1. Have we resolved whether the "Snow Plow Prep Group" actually gives you stiffer front springs? (I'd prefer stiffer springs that make the front sit up a bit higher).



2. Is it possible to get tow hooks AND the snow plow prep?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Snow plow prep?

Someone posted something awhile back about a snow plow prepped truck sitting 1" higher than his new 3500.

What else do you normally get with the snow plow option?

 

[rbattelle]

I read through the previous posts on this subject, but there was never any consensus on whether you get different springs. According to the Dodge site, you only get the transfer case skid plate (which makes no sense, since the protection group gives you the skid plate AND tow hooks and costs $35 less). I suspect the spring rate is higher, which is what I'm really after.



I think the website has a bug in it, because if you toy with it just right you can get it to give you the protection group and snow plow prep group (I don't think this is actually possible).



As an aside, I noticed the configuration system is a bit sketchy. For example, it lists the following as standard equipment: "Front 9. 25 Axle Ratio" and "Rear 11. 5 Axle Ratio". Right. These, of course, are the ring gear diameters.

 

[Dean Upson]

As an aside, I noticed the configuration system is a bit sketchy. For example, it lists the following as standard equipment: "Front 9. 25 Axle Ratio" and "Rear 11. 5 Axle Ratio". Right. These, of course, are the ring gear diameters

When I first saw that it had me scratching my head 'til I figgured out what they meant, too!



Dean

 

[Mark@TST Products]

I have a copy of the “Customer Preferred Code Guide” for 2003 Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 dated Sep 6, 02 and it shows the Heavy Duty Snow Plow Prep Group (AHD) containing: 140 amp alternator, (160 amp V10 only) 750 amp maintenance free battery, and transfer case skid plate. No mention of springs? These options all appear to be standard on the 3500 4x4 diesels. I don’t have this guide for the 2500 but bet it is the same.

 

[Parshal]

Originally posted by rbattelle



2. Is it possible to get tow hooks AND the snow plow prep?

I have the snow plow prep group and tow hooks on my '03 2500.

 

[rbattelle]

Hmmm... still no concrete data on whether you get stiffer springs, although it looks like you don't. I'll try to get snow plow prep and tow hooks like Parshal.

 

[Rosco]

I am having my truck wired and the frame mount put on for my 8' Fisher plow this Thursday. I have been waiting two months for the frame mounts to come in. I guess Fisher designed the original mount wrong, something to do with the intercooler hitting the mount. Anyway, the fisher dealer asked me if I had the tow hooks because they interfere with the plow somehow. So if you have tow hooks and want a fisher plow there may be a problem.

 

[tarussell]

Maybe Ya'll can check the front spring part #'s between snow plow equiped trucks and non-snow plow trucks. There are several differences in options on the truck that determine which spring package it will come with. Or better yet go to the parts department and see if they have a foot note in the parts book that indicates the heavier springs.



On the 2nd Gen. trucks the snowplow spring rates do make the truck sit up a little more. I have heard that the 3rd Gen. trucks don't sit any higher but do have a stiffer spring rate on the snowplow equiped trucks. Another way to tell is if the snowplow trucks have a higher front axle rating than the regular trucks.

 

[Task125]

I tried to order plow prep group,was told I could not get it with Q cab and diesel.