Plow prep?

[Lawn-Scapes]

What exactly is a plow pre package? How do you determine if your truck has one?

[Lawngodfather]

Most MFG are stiffer front springs, shocks cab clearnance lights, trans cooler and trans dummy light.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Thanks Mike..

I have the trans cooler and clearance lights for sure. The truck also sits pretty high in both the front and back.

I believe it was labled as a camper special.. similar package?

[snonut12]

On GM trucks with plow prep package, they have increased front end capacity, larger output alternator, auxiliary light switch with wiring harness above headliner for roof lights, large hole predrilled on firewall for routing control harness under the dash, transmission cooler, etc. I am sure I forgot something else, but you get the idea.

[drobson]

Ask your dealer or the plow dealer what the code would be on your door sticker or VIN to indicate that your truck has the plow prep package. On fords, if the front GVW is over 4900lbs (I think, but should be close if I'm wrong) the truck has the plow prep package. For F150's and F250's if the total GVW is over 8600lbs then it has the plow package. But the key is the front GVW, because the tow package only beefs up the rear.

My truck (F350) did not have the prep package. I had to add a leaf to the front to handle the weight of the plow. Never had a problem with the altenator, may even be a high output for the tow package, not sure.

[Lawn-Scapes]

I looked at the id tag inside the truck and the front GVW is 5200 and total GVW is 8800.

Looking at the Boss website I meet the front GVW requirements but it says the required plow prep code is "AHD". Where do I find this code?

[Adams Plowing]

underneith the hood there should be a tag that has a bunch of codes on it it will be in there if it has it.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Okay.. I found the tag under the hood with a bunch of codes like you said.. looked to be twelve 3 letter codes plus some other letter and number codes. The AHD code was not on the list. :(

Does this mean I should not or can not mount a Boss plow without beefing it up or something? Would this hold true for any plow?

[EZSnow]

"plow prep" is a $75 insurance policy on the fords.

[wyldman]

The truck will be fine,even without the"AHD" plow prep option.You may need to upgrade the front springs though.

Take a look at the spring code tag on each front spring,and let me know what the numbers are.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Chris..

The numbers on the tags are as follows:

Drivers side -

71765
52039038

Big Bold Numbers 038

Pass side -


71765
52039037

Bold 037

Thanks for the help..

[wyldman]

If you have a V8,then I'd recommend a 046/047 spring combo.If it's a diesel or V10,then use a 047/048.The lighter spring (smaller number) goes in the pass side.You can get the springs from your local Dodge dealer.

They are pretty stiff springs,but they hold the plow real well,and don't affect the ride to much.Handling is much improved too.

I would also add a set of Timbrens.

[Lawn-Scapes]

Jeez.. stiffer springs and timbrens. This is going to break the bank :(

Approximately how much does it cost to do each of these?

Can I make it through a season without?

[wyldman]

They are cheap,compared to other things.The springs are about $300 a pair,and the Timbrens can be had for less than $150.00.

Easy to install too,you could probably do them yourself.If you need any help,just let me know.

You could try and get by without them,but the truck will not be happy with the plow on it.

[Lawn-Scapes]

"If you need any help,just let me know."

Chris I appreciate the offer but I couldn't ask you to come all this way just to install springs. ;) But maybe we could knock out the plow in the same day :D

Seriously.. The springs are easy to change out? How long would it take?

[EZSnow]

It's gotta be easy- Crimedog did it, and he's just a little squirt!! ;) :D

Just yankin' yer chain, Matt. Somebody's gotta start the teasin' around here, or Mike97SS is gonna lose his edge!!

[wyldman]

Those prices are in US.You may be able to do better if you shop around.

The springs aren't hard,just drop the shocks,and the sway bar links,and down comes the diff.You may have to pry down on each side of the diff to get them out,but they will come out without a compressor.It should take a couple of hours for a novice to do them.

[Lawngodfather]

Tom I got a diesel and a 1000# plow without the snow plow prep package....

Don't squat to bad.

[BWhite]

The camper package is for the rear suspension they will add an anti roll bar (sway bar)

[Lawngodfather]

It also has overload springs on the back...

[TLS]

Mike,

Nice Dodge!

I was wondering where my skateboard wheels went!! :D

Time for some tall/skinneys on there!


WHITE!!!! You'll blend right in with the white stuff! :eek: Better keep the lights on!



Lawn-Scapes,

Depending on what plow you get, you'll most likely be FINE without doing any spring work. Remember there are 1/2 tons out there with bigger plows than you plan on hanging!

[Adams Plowing]

i priced out the 47/48 combo it was about $230 from the dodge dealer up here which boss plow are you planning on running i have the 5.9 V8 and am running the 8' Boss superduty plow it didnt sag too bad with the plow on with the factory springs mabye 2" or a little less although i decided to upgrade the springs anyways... if ya dont want to spend the money on both the timbrens and the springs i'd just put the springs in you should be fine w/o the timbrens if ya have the beefed up springs...

[Lawn-Scapes]

Well.. I went to the dealer to have the oil changed and a new thermostat put in..... it turns out that this truck does have the "heavy duty plow prep" along with the tow and camper package.

I asked him how much for the heavier duty springs? He said I don't need them. I said if I want them.. how much? He said they won't do it. Huh???

I have about 2 inches of clearance to the rubber bump stop..

[Lawn-Scapes]

Ooops.. I forgot my questions :)

Should I still go with the springs over timbrens? Are the 46/47 springs the diesel springs? Which effect the ride more.. springs or timbrens?

[Lawngodfather]

Snow plow prep package, you get those clearance lights on top of the cab.

So judging by the pic, you have it, you can only get the cab lights with that package.

Wow sagging that bad, 2"?

Here's mine with no prep package.

[4evergreenlawns]

If you have the plow prep, which I am pretty sure if LGF says you do than you do. Add the Timbrens for the $150.00 you can install them yourself less than a hour for both sides.

If you were running a straight blade you should be fine. But when you go to stack snow in the scoop position with the V plow you are adding loads of stress to the front end. Difference is you are not just pushing up the pile you are lifiting up the snow in the scoop to the top of the pile. You want all the help you can get to aviod braking things as time goes on. If you plan on having the truck and plowing for more than one season, just do it right.

Bottom line, any equipment failure during a snow event will cost you huge both in dollars for repair cost and creditability with your clients. Snow contractors should be looking at this as a profession not just beer money so who cares and I just need a truck to "get by with".

[sonjaab]

Hey guys heres a link for the GM plow prep info. 99-04
Look for RPO code VYU on the sticker in your glove box.

https://www.gmupfitter.com/secure/html/publicat/bull/bull27.pdf

I have another link for Mopar trucks plow prep. also !
(looking for it and will post!)...................geo

[CNY Joe]

Hey Sonjaab, don't you check your PM's:huh

[sonjaab]

JOE..........Yea !..Just did........Thought they were still
"broke"...............LOL

Its the Turkey Wing guy......He wants to advertise here!

I need to talk to Chuck..................

Hey lets do Hooters soon!...............

Maybe some white gold this weekend !.........geo

[W-n-K Landscaping]

Did someone say "Hooters" ??

I'M THERE!!!

How about Sunday afternoon- as long as we don't get too much snow. We could grab a bite, chill for a bit, and Then Joe and I could go out and work on our little business venture?

Anyone up for that?

Bill:grinz :cash :grinz

[sonjaab]

Bill.......heck yea! Hooters is the NEW best place in our
neck of the woods ! I'm ready..............geo