Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) To build the perfect snow plow

[JHenry]

I have a '93 Dodge 2500 CTD with a 5 speed that I am using to plow snow. The truck plows great, but the manual transmission is not the best system for plowing snow. I want to sell this truck and upgrade to a newer truck with an automatic. I have heard that there is a certain block that I should avoid. How do I identify that engine and which years was it found in? Also, which year auto transmission would be the best to hold up under snow plowing? Thanks. JH

 

[Rhinohd]

I have an 04. 5 and plow with a Snoway Preditor 29. Truck runs great and the plow is just ok. I should of bought a Boss V but was worried about the weight.



I push more snow then I should (at one time) but the old girl keeps going and going and going!



Not sure about the block and am intrested to find out...

 

[Jong]

You want to avoid the "53" series block if you can. The number is usually cast into the block above the oil pan just under the injection pump. The easiest way to see it is a mirror and a flashlight (that's how I checked mine). Any year automatic should be fine, just check the fluid level and condition when you are looking at the truck. And BOSS plows rock, BTW. Wish I could actually get some use out of mine this season!!!

 

[Cummins724]

The 53 blocks came in some 98 12v trucks, but was most common in 98. 5-00 trucks. I prefer sticks for plowing myself..... the automatics just don't last for me. As far as plows go..... Blizzard 8-10 with the power wings is the only way to go for me.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The local transmission shop always has Dodge automatics in the yard come plow season. I like my stick also, but I wouldn' t choose the dual disk if I was plowing for money. I find that the Fisher Fish-stik makes the manual alot more friendly because the controls are right in my shifting hand.

 

[Jong]

The handheld controllers are easier to use no matter which transmission you are using, but I still like an auto for plowing. They usually last pretty well if you have a big cooler on them and don't shift from drive to reverse or vice versa while the truck is still in motion. That's kinda like putting a truck in 4WD while the back wheels are spinning and the fronts aren't. A recipe for expensive broken parts!!!!

 

[wmarosits]

I plow w/ all my trucks and all are sticks 85' 270k stock clutch, 98' 347k south bend, 06' 37k all stock w/ no problums.

 

[LSchulz]

The handheld controllers are easier to use no matter which transmission you are using, but I still like an auto for plowing.

I actually don't like the handheld control. It was a pain to hold onto when shifting, and it is always falling on the floor or someplace. For an 8. 5' Fisher I have the control lever mounted just behind the turn signal. I can reach it with my fingertips while I still have my hand on the wheel, and the other hand on the stick. Same setup on my Dad's '06.

 

[Cummins724]

I actually don't like the handheld control. It was a pain to hold onto when shifting, and it is always falling on the floor or someplace. For an 8. 5' Fisher I have the control lever mounted just behind the turn signal. I can reach it with my fingertips while I still have my hand on the wheel, and the other hand on the stick. Same setup on my Dad's '06.

Blzzard has the control box that straps to the console..... joystick control... ... super sweet.

 

[J.Keith]

I have a 8. 5' BOSS Super Duty on my truck. I plow alot of mountian stuff and would much rather have the 5 speed over the auto. Works great!