Who plows without a snowplow prep pkg on their truck?

[earthmover]

How many of you guys have a plow on your truck without the snowplow prep pkg.?

[earthmover]

For starters, I don't have it on my 2006 F-350 C/C shortbed 4x4 and am still going to mount either a Blizzard 810 :blizzard or a Boss V.

[Pioneer]

I don't and i'm runnin a 2004.5 Dodge 3/4 SWB Cummins. I don't even know what the plow pakage had in it:beatsme

[earthmover]

Maybe going to reconsider mounting a plow on mine. My buddy say Ford can and will void my warranty? Is it true.:beatsme

[John DiMartino]

None of my trucks have it.It was available,but I buy used trucks.On most HD trucks,it isnt a big deal to not have it,it depends on the make and model.On Dodges it doesnt affect the front axles weight rating,but on Fords it does.According to Dodge if i had gotten the plow prep package Id have heavier springs,biggest alt,temp warning light,HD tcase,and Max cooling,all part of the HD service group.Since my truck has a diesel engine it already has the HD service group,big alt,max cooling.My truck has the HD tcase,4.10 gears,LSD differential,and I put in springs heavier than the plow prep,and an actual trans temp guage.GVWR is identical with our without plow prep.

[apkole]

So John D.

Would the twin turbos come standard with the plow prep?:grinz

[apkole]

Wasn't it Dodge who came out with the Snow Commander package back in the late '60's or early '70's?

I believe there were a couple of model years where the Cummins diesel option and the plow prep option were mutually exclusive, if memory serves. Our '99 CTD falls in that category. I had the dealer upgrade the springs shortly after the truck was delivered.

[Mark Oomkes]

If I order a truck I order it with the plow prep. My last 2 personal trucks were bought off the lot without. I'm not too worried about it either.

[towman]

we have 10 trucks at work with plows on them, not one of them has a plow package on them, we put heavier springs on the ones that squatted to much, haven;t had any real problmns with them

[earthmover]

Are they all Fords with the coil springs. Could Ford void my warranty if I put a plow on w/o the prep pkg?:beatsme

[snow warrior]

No plow prep here. If i was to order a truck i would, but if it was a lot model or a used truck i wouldn't worry about it.

[John DiMartino]

Earthmover, realistically Ford cant void your warranty,but they can restrict it.Whatever your front ends max GAWR is,if your under it,IMO,you should be covered whether its a plow on the front or a big bumper with winch,it shouldnt matter as long as your under that number on the drivers door/post.If your putting an 810 on the truck,I imagine your going to be close to 6000lbs on the front axle,if not over it.Just be nice to your service advisor,and hopefully they will be nice to you.Ive found tips go along way if used properly.I used to tip the Dixie Chopper mechanic,after he did my head gaskets,after that he'd make sure i was taken care of immediately.
I wouldnt worry much about your truck handling the plow.I think my biggest concern would be the charging system,and torqueshift transmission,and unless Ford can show they do something different to the torqueshifts on plow prep trucks,or they have additional cooling,I would think you'd be ok there too,but you never know.

[nsmilligan]

Witout the plow prep they can restrict your warranty, like John says. i.e. in the 90's GM/Chev, idler arms only lasted a season plowing, if you had a plow on the truck without the plow pkg GM would only replace them once. A great example was at my local Dodge dealer a couple of years ago, I was having the usual trac bar replacement under warranty, and in the bay next to my truck was another 2500 which had just blown the tranny. The owner was a good customer and the dealership was going to do the tranny under warranty, but the Dodge service rep showed up that am, while I was there.
My truck was obviously a plow truck, and I asked him why Dodge couldn't make a trac bar that lasted more then a year, and he said carrying the weight of the plow gear was part of the problem, my truck had the plow prep option. The truck next door didn't, the rep approached the service manager, and I found out through one of the mechanics that he had denied ANY warranty claim on the transmission because the truck was being used for plowing and didn't have a plow prep option. The dealership had to eat the repair bill because they had promised the owner it would be covered!
So if your going to make a warranty claim on a plow truck without a plow prep pkg, then you could be on the hook, even if the dealer goes to bat for you.

Bill

[sno-mover]

Got my truck off the lot and it didnt have plow prep, It hade everything else but the heavier springs, so I got x's when I installed the plow.:burnout

[CPSS]

All of our plow trucks are PowerStroke F-250's. We always order them and always get the snow plow prep packsge. Ford sells the option for a reason, the front ends on our trucks are pretty maxed out with the diesel engine. The plow prep package increases the front springs, as well as the alternator. All important things to have when plowing.

[John DiMartino]

I didnt think Ford even offered the snow plow prep on the 4x4 F250 excab diesels until the 6.0. I know all your trucks are the heavier 7.3.

[wyldman]

I don't care if has a plow prep or not,as I usually upgrade everything anyways. :)

A lot of the late 90's Dodges were not available with the plow prep and the CTD due to FAWR concerns.

[apgarconstruction]

well. i bought my truck used in 2000, and don't know if it had the plow prep package or not. it didn't show signs that it ever had a plow on it before, but i guess it could still have the package. what would I look for? i know it handles my boss V very well, even with the heavy diesel engine.

[Mowerpan]

With my s-10 blazer plow package is called know how to replace suspension components ur self:P

[Scraper]

I had my front-end reworked at a local spring shop for my 2000 F-250 diesel. All new onsite made springs which raised my capacity to a full ton. Shop owner said he'd cert to class 5, but I don't want to pay the registration costs. I run a Boss 8'2" V. Front-end hardly moves when I lift it. Wish I'd gotten the 9'2" now.

[SNO]

I dont have the plow package but I do have the towing package.

There was not that much difference.

If I remember right, the difference amounted to a hook up for an Amber light is about it.

[bud16415]

IMO
When I bought my truck it came with both the tow and plow upgrades. There is some overlap between the two but each has its own set of features. I was thinking about plowing with it at that time but wasn’t sure I would. I also had no real plans to tow much ether and was looking for a half ton truck 4WD.

After shopping a while I really couldn’t see why anyone buys half tons and the plow and tow packages couldn’t hurt even if I didn’t use them. The overall cost to go to a 2500 and add the two upgrades wasn’t enough to even consider not doing it. Also adding limited slip was so cheep I asked the dealer why they didn’t just order them all in with it.

Personally when anyone asks me now what size truck and how to get it equipped for plowing I suggest all 4 things.

[CPSS]

Heres what the 2004 F-150 snow plow prep package gives you:

Snowplow prep package (option code 63A) includes FGAWR upgrade to 4300 lb (4300 lb spring rating).

Heavy Duty Payload package (option code 627) includes: 8200-lb GVWR; 4050-lb FGAWR (4050-lb spring rating); 4800-lb RGAWR (4900-lb spring rating); rear axle capacity upgrade to 5300 lb and 10.25" diameter ring gear 4.10 ratio, limited-slip not included but available; 17"x7.5" J 7-lug steel wheels; LT245/70Rx17D BSW all-season tires (5); 5.4L, 3-valve V8 engine, 4R75E automatic transmission; Super Engine Cooling (1.42" core thickness); auxiliary transmission air cooler, oil-to-water increased to 9-channel/18-plate; battery upgrade to 72 amp-hr/650 CCA.

[Scraper]

Heres what the 2004 F-150 snow plow prep package gives you:

Snowplow prep package (option code 63A) includes FGAWR upgrade to 4300 lb (4300 lb spring rating).

Heavy Duty Payload package (option code 627) includes: 8200-lb GVWR; 4050-lb FGAWR (4050-lb spring rating); 4800-lb RGAWR (4900-lb spring rating); rear axle capacity upgrade to 5300 lb and 10.25" diameter ring gear 4.10 ratio, limited-slip not included but available; 17"x7.5" J 7-lug steel wheels; LT245/70Rx17D BSW all-season tires (5); 5.4L, 3-valve V8 engine, 4R75E automatic transmission; Super Engine Cooling (1.42" core thickness); auxiliary transmission air cooler, oil-to-water increased to 9-channel/18-plate; battery upgrade to 72 amp-hr/650 CCA.



All that on a pee-on 150....why not get the 250 or bigger?

[Stik208]

Did a Ford Ranger ever have a plow package??? LOL. I had a hard enough time finding something decent to put on the front of it, it was a Curtis that I have, the Boss but woulda waited a year to get it, or the Homestader/Suburbanite. Without the package it has done me just fine.

[CPSS]

All that on a pee-on 150....why not get the 250 or bigger?

All we use are F-250 PSD's. I was simply trying to answer the original question about snow plow prep packages. I don't have the info at my finger tips about the plow prep package on the F-250.

[SIPLOWGUY]

First thing I look for is plow prep!

[snow blind]

I have a chevy 6.5 diesel ext. cab no such thing as a snow package for this type of truck do to the weight of the diesel motor and then add a ext. cab on but can be done quite easly to, I might ad that you should adjust torsion and add good shocks and a set of timbrens depending on the plow you choose I have a sno-way v-plow that works great but considured the weight when choosing but am verry happy with this plow even though some say the boss v would have been better paid $4700 delivered and have some tight areas to deal with so liked how the snow-way compared to the rest and the warrenty and down pressure works great.

[slplow]

I only buy trucks with plow preps on them.

[Joey D]

No plow prep on my truck. I am not sure if it will be a problem though, still testing since '98 to see

[cat320]

mostly the plow prep is biger alternator, transmition cooler, higher rated front end and extra wireing

[bowtie_guy]

No plow prep on my 06. It does however have the 4800lbs FGAWR which is standard on the 3500 trucks (max you can get)

[Markford14]

My 2006 F-350 has it on it.

[crashz]

My 04 doesn't have it, but does have the heavy tow package. I have no idea on the 83, but I do know that the GMC dealers installed the plows on both trucks.

[rp services]

Maybe going to reconsider mounting a plow on mine. My buddy say Ford can and will void my warranty? Is it true.:beatsme
yes they can and they will,it .It says that in the warranty book.I have a04 f150 8200.it is set up for plowing and towing right from the factory and is covered under full warranty.:canada..keep in good with your dealer and they usually are pretty good to you.I had an 02 150 7700 and had no problems with it plowing.

[iakentdoz]

mostly the plow prep is biger alternator, transmition cooler, higher rated front end and extra wireing

True, plus transmition cooler comes with the tow package, much better than the "plow package". With my SD F250, all I have done is added 2nd battery so far. SD are set up much better than the F150, I wouldn't plow with a F150 without the Snow plow package. My old F150 didn't have the plow package but, I installed a trans cooler, bigger shocks/tires and used a light weight plow. Plus truck was out of warrenty. As far as FGAWR, most truck can handle more that what it is rated at. You just need to adjust torsion and add good shocks and a set of timbrens depending on the plow you choose.

[MURPH]

If buying new, snow prep pkg option is only a couple hundred bucks. You have your warranty, trans cooler, a couple other goodies and with chevy a 135 amp alternator. I recomend for all of you that are not using HD trucks to add the the above but more importantly add a trans temp guage. GET used to your trannys normal temp range. Then you can see if you need to give it a rest before you smoke it
Murph

[EnviroTeam]

My 92 GMC 2500 has been plowing for the last 5 years. No plow prep but has tow package i.e. the trans cooler etc. All I did was have an extra battery installed and this year when I finally had to replace the original equipment alternator, I upgraded it. That's about it. As a matter of fact I find it a great testiment to GMC that almost every time I have to have something done to my truck the mechanic informs me that whatever part he is fixing or replacing is original. It's a freakin 92 plow truck...lol....of course now that I have said all this you just know it's goinig to disintigrate on my next time out...lol

[Mark Oomkes]

yes they can and they will,it .It says that in the warranty book.I have a04 f150 8200.it is set up for plowing and towing right from the factory and is covered under full warranty.:canada..keep in good with your dealer and they usually are pretty good to you.I had an 02 150 7700 and had no problems with it plowing.

Don't hold your breath too long on the warranty. They can and may deny if they believe the breakage was due to abuse--plow prep or not.

Also, as stated, I have a couple without and have had some items warranted, it all depends on the dealer and your relationship with them.

[synner]

I see Dodge is offering a snow chief package

Snow Chief Group



160-Amp Alternator
750-Amp Maintenance Free Battery
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
Black Vinyl Floor Covering
Clearance Lamps
Delete Floor Mats
LT245/70R17E BSW On/Off-Road Tires
"Snow Chief" Badge
Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield

[rp services]

i plow with a2004 f150 8200. i also look after our local ford dealership and the dealers property, should be ok if i break my truck..lol:shades2

[T-Zab]

I see Dodge is offering a snow chief package

Snow Chief Group



160-Amp Alternator
750-Amp Maintenance Free Battery
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
Black Vinyl Floor Covering
Clearance Lamps
Delete Floor Mats
LT245/70R17E BSW On/Off-Road Tires
"Snow Chief" Badge
Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield

Were did you see this at ?
Looks pretty interesting, what trucks is it available on ?
T

[Will]

The truck I'm looking at right now (a F150) does not have the prep package on it. But it has the 130 amp alternator on it.

[mflah87]

i have 1 truck without a snow plow prep package and the front end drops when u lift the plow.

[wyldman]

i have 1 truck without a snow plow prep package and the front end drops when u lift the plow.

What kind of truck ? Why not fix it ?

Upgrading the springs,or turning up the torsion bars will help.Add a set of Timbrens,and it should carry the plow fine.Adding the correct amount of ballast will also help

Nothing worse than plowing with a nose heavy truck.

[synner]

T-Zab, I found the Snow Chief pkg under Additional Equipment Groups when I tried to build a truck online on the Dodge.ca website. The downside I found was when I tried to build another Quad Cab 2500 with the CTD it would only allow me to select the Snow Chief pkg if I downgraded to a Hemi from the CTD.

[The boys]

Mine has an owner built snowplow prep 8 quart oil pan heavy duty trans cooler 100 amp alt 4 leavas under the front 265/75 r 16 bf goodrich all terrain ta

better than what the factory offered :grinz

[90plow]

My 06 dodge 2500 came with the plow prep. which I think was the 4.10 gears and not much else considering the diesel already has the bigger amp. dual batteries and heavier springs. The plow match on western says I can run at max a 7.5 regular duty plow. I plan on exceeding that so I'm thinking about getting these springs the 6% over stock. http://www.lorenzindustries.com/products_coils.html
-Eric

[T-Zab]

I installed the Kore HD leveling kit in my 05 Quad with the Cummins, great kit comes with the Bilstein shocks and drop blocks. It was just under 600 for everything. Handles the Blizzard 810 nicely, could use Timbrens to help when stacking. They do make them for the 2" lift for Dodge trucks. I still need an adjustable track bar though to get the front centered again. The axle is off about a 1/4". Still tracks fine, tire wear is fine (steering wheel is slightly off center) so I havnt bothered yet.
The Lorenz springs look good but you will need Fox shocks, and drop blocks, and a track bar as well. That will set ya back probally around 1K+.
I really wanted to do the Kore race setup but for 1K more then the HD kit I couldnt justify the expense for a work truck.
T

[90plow]

I can use any kind of shock it doesn't need to be fox (talked to the owner). What do you mean by drop blocks? Its the same as putting the leveling kit in the front except its springs instead of the rubber spacers there shouldn't be any difference.
-Eric

[T-Zab]

This what I have installed, take it for what its worth.
http://koreperformance.com/dodge-ram-lift-kits/leveling-kit.htm
You still need a track bar upgrade to center the front axle, and longer shocks, stock will not work over 2". You will need the same if the Lorenz spring raises you more then 2".
The drop blocks are for the sway bar.
I have the kit on my truck now, Fred and the guys at Jerres helped me install it last fall. I am very happy with this kit.
T