I already posted this in the lounge but I wanted you guy's to see it too. Need as much advice as I can get. I'm in the market for a full size 4x4 truck/suv and at some point I plan on putting a plow on the front. The truck will serve as an everyday driver in the winter, somewhat often driver in the summer and will be the tow horse for my Z and my snowmobiles. It's next task will be to plow. I've always wanted to do this and more and more I have tons of people I know asking me when I'm gonna start plowing. So it would actually be a nice little source of extra income. Anyway back to the point. I'm wondering what vehicles you guys plow with, any issues you've had, which plow's you like more, etc. Actually any advice or warnings you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Although I've been in serious hunt for an SUV because of the room, I have never put ext. cab pickups out of mind. I have even considered standard cab trucks to be used mainly just as a worktruck for what I described earlier. Though they don't have all the room I would like. I could manage because the #1 thing I need is a 4x4 in the winter. As an example here's a truck I found recently that fit's into my category. 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 standard cab. 75,000 miles, Pewter, polished wheels, power everything, CD, towing package, spray in bedliner, and comes with 7 1/2 ft Meyer's snowplow with the quick disconnect setup. The guy is asking $12,000 obo. I looked up KBB and it's worth around $16,200 with the snowplow and about $14,000 without. Since this has an almost brand new plow and the current owner has already eaten that cost is the reason I'm considering this one even though it's a standard cab. Does this sound like a good deal? Let me know what you guys think. Thanks

 

Yes, that does sound like a good deal. You wont have to deal with getting the plow on ther if it already has it.

Just check the tranny over real good, esp if he has been plowing with it.

 

Sorry, I can't comment on what to look for in a plow truck but what sled did you end up buying?

 

If you are going to plow more than just your own short driveway, do not buy a 1/2 ton (light duty) truck. The 2500 series (or its equivalent) is the minimum. This is for several reasons, primarily the amount of weight over the front end. The lighter plows, while weighing less, won't hold up to semi-commercial plowing. BTW, GM does not warranty new light duty trucks (can't be ordered with the plow prep packages) that have a plow installed.

Next, when it comes to plowing, a short wheelbase is a necessity. That rules out extra cabs or 4 doors, especially with an 8 foot box. A regular cab long box is as long as you want to go.

Lastly, is visability over your right shoulder is also critical. That's why SUV's are bad for plowing, all that space between you and the rear window, plus, they get all steamy inside and fog the rear and side windows. Again, it's gotta be a regular cab.

I learned all this from a couple of pals that plowed hundreds of driveways up north for many years. Plus, I tended my own 1/4 mile private drive, using a 1970 3/4 ton Chevy 4x4 (with no power steering and a stick shift, no less). My plow was run off an old power steering pump pumping hydro fluid. To raise the plow, it often required me to push on the gas with my d!ck to increase revs since both feet were busy with the other pedals and my arms were steering and shifting. Good thing I am "gifted!!!"



HTH,

RRRR

 

Chris, I ended up buying an 99' MXZ 600. Completely stock with about 3500 miles for 2G's. Blue Book is around 4 grand so it was a deal I couldn't pass up. stud's and plastic ski's are already in the works for this season. Also I'm looking at a 97 Formula Z 583 for a second sled already. I have way too many people that want to go with me now lol.

RRRR, why is the shortest wheelbase a must? I figured a heavier longer truck would push snow easier. I realize that a shorter truck would get into tight places better but could you please explain. Also if I go with a 1/2 ton I already have plans to upgrade the springs on the front for the added weight of the plow. Or actually most manufacturers I've talked too offer a plow prep package for almost all trucks. Thanks for your help guys.

 

The shorter the wheelbase, the shorter the turning radius. When you are plowing snow, you don't want to have to stop, back up, and take a second stab at a turn, especially with a load of snow in front of the plow. Plus, inevitably, you will end up in a tight spot and the shorter the better for wiggling out. The weigh thing is irrelevant since you can put sand, etc. in the bed for weight.

Upgraded springs are just one part of the 3/4 ton front end. The frame, the shocks, the stabilizer bar, the bushings, etc. are all upgraded. The frame is especially important since it's beefed up the entire length of the truck for overall strength.

You'd have to prove to me that manufacturers offer plow prep packages on the light duties. I don't believe it.

HTH,

RRRR

 

You can go to www.westernplows.com. Somewhere on their website they offer plow prep packages. I talked to a local distributer for them and they said I could get a prep package for just about any vehicle I wanted.

 

The plow prep package I am referring to is the one built into the truck (frame, suspension, cooling, recommended gearing, front springs, etc), not what the plow guys sell.

Go to a dealer you trust. Ask them. Any good dealer would never sell (and the factory wouldn't warantee) a truck that's not equipped for how you wish to use it.

Of course, if you are doing your own personal driveway, you could take the risk and I'm sure Western (or whomever) would sell you the plow. But that's not what you said you wanted to do.

Here's another test. Look around at the guys in the business. Are any of them plowing with light duty trucks???

RRRR

 

OK, here's some more info.

I am looking at the 2001 GMC Dealer Guide for the Sierra. There was a snowplow prep package available for the 1500 (Light Duty) truck. It is option code VYU. It includes additional front spring capacity, 10 amp power for backup and roof emergency lighting, 130 amp generator, high-flow front bumper, forward lamp wiring harness, access hole w/grommet in dash panel, mounting location for plow controls (if auto), KNP transmission oil cooler. Requires 4WD, n/a with manual ride control or 4.3 V6.

I can't speak for the factory warranty, but GM Protection Plan charges a surcharge for vehicles used for plowing.

That said, given the mileage and how you think you want to use it, I'd set aside the coin it will take to replace the tranny. I'd bet it wouldn't last you half of a plowing season. If there's no factory trans cooler (the newer design about 8" x 8" mounted ahead of the radiator) it's a done deal. I'd also replace the front springs and do ball joints, u-joints, shocks, etc. given that it's already at 75K miles.

Yes, it's a good buy, but if it was me, I'd be looking for a heavier duty truck, i.e., 2500 or HD.

HTH,

RRRR

 

RRRR thanks for all your info. Everything is greatly appreciated. As far as the tranny cooler goes. I've been looking at either a stick(which is hard to find of course) or I plan in dumping one in asap after the truck purchase. At $60-80 bucks I'd be dumb not to. The reason I'm so "set on" going with only a 1/2 ton is almost 100% because of price. As much as I'd love a 3/4 ton or even a 1 ton. Finding one a little newer and with decent miles in my price range is almost impossible. Although the 4x4 and use of a plow are my main concerns about the truck. An extended cab is what I'm leaning on because of room. My Z has hardly room for more than two people so my second vehicle needs to be able to seat atleast more than that. To find a 3/4 ton that's affordable for me means I have to step back to a standard cab, which I'm not opposed to, I just would prefer not to. Also I will be towing my car occasionally to the strip, and towing a snowmobile trailor in the winter. Having the longer wheelbase would make me feel safer. Even with a 1/2 ton. And the added interior room means I could bring a few people with me and still have room for any gear or misc. stuff that we'd prefer to keep in the cab. Something not allowable in a standard cab truck. That's why I was so interested to learn about why a short box standard cab was the way to go. Again I really really enjoy all your comments. Everything has really helped me put things into perspective and clarify a lot of my questions.

 

I have plowed for many years. We have a 95 2wd 1ton dump-91/2western, 2001 3/4 duramax-81/2 western,2003 duramax81/2 western and an 94 S10 -61/2 western. I like the Boss V-plows the best. I believe the big three only offer the plow preps on 3/4-1 ton reg cab long beds. i used to work at an Dodge dealer and now work for Ford and they DO NOT want plows on V-10's or diesels. The plow preps on Fords only include a different charging system, no suspension mods.They do not want the added load of the plow on the v-10 and diesels because they are already close to the front axle GAWR

 

Sounds like you are looking for a daily driver, too, and the 1/2 ton trucks are priced right. But keep in mind that their suspension systems are designed for pavement princess duty, and even GM's 3/4 ton trucks front suspensions are nothing to write home about (i have had 2). If you want a half ton truck to plow with, I thinkyou would be better off with a older GM with a solid front axle or a later model Dodge. IFS just isn't up to the task, and I think you will find your self wearing out parts quickly, and if you plow hard, bending parts. Just my two cents. Good luck!

 

2500+ trucks have heavier duty steering components, beefier steering gear, tie rods ect, its made for the possiblility of the extra nose weight.

My cousin has an 02 duramax ex cab/Arctic plow and already gone thru two Allison automatic transmissions and does what I would call light duty commercial for the family buisness. If you plan on doing private and other really small jobs it probably wouldnt be a huge deal. But if you are going to have that paperweight stuck to your front end the whole winter while you try to do parking lots and stuff, you are taking a chance with component failure at the worst time. Not to mention those damn hydraulic lines for the plow break whenever they damn well feel like!

edit* i said western plow by mistake. its an arctic.