Hi I'm new here and to ford so here is my first post. I might be getting ready to buy a 2001 ford F-350 4X4 XLT with a 5.4 V-8 and towing pkg. Is this a good truck for plowing with that small of an engine and I don't think it has a plow prep pkg on it either is that a problem? Thanks!!!

 

hello gatewayuser welcome to FTE! take a few seconds and look around, read the "read firsts"


yes, that truck will be sufficient for plowing. however if you are interested in modifying your truck for fun, i would look into a diesel. yes a little more costly at the initial thought, but in the long run it pays off. the guys on here will be sure to give you PMS (Powerstroke Mod Syndrome)

 

Welcome to the site!

I don't really know anything about snow plowing, but, without the plow prep pkg, it's likely that the front will really drop with the weight of a plow. Spring rates are chosen based on chassis configuration and engine options. A truck with a 5.4 gets the lowest rated springs for a given chassis config. It'll probably work OK- just keep an eye on the front end to make sure nothing is over-stressed.

 

Hi and welcome to FTE! Be sure to read this to help you around this site: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=300691 There are also State, Provincial and International Chapters located near the bottom of the main forum page.

My boss has about 8 or so Super Dutys that all have the 5.4 engine in them. He uses them for plowing and says he doesn't have any problems. This will be my first year plowing for him (I have plowed for a few years with my dad before this) so I guess I will see how it goes.

As for the snow plowing package I would maybe think about swapping out the springs for the heavy duty ones that come with the plow package. Well worth the upgrade IMHO.

See ya on the boards!

-Matt

 

Thanks for the help I went ahead and bought the truck tonight and already love it. Thanks again!

 

Congratulations on the new truck. I would still look into the snowplow springs if I were you. Good luck and enjoy!

-Matt

 

I just thought I would update on my F-350 4x4. I have had it for 3 months now and still love it. Its an excellent plow truck I put a Boss 8ft V-plow on it, most of the time I leave it in 2wd and its very predictable on ice too. Thanks again!

 

you plow in 2wd? does the truck have a LS diff?

 

If you have some weight in the back of the truck and there isn't much snow it is VERY possible to plow in 2 wheel drive. Today I was plowing in 2 wheel drive with a stock 2006 F-250 and the box was empty. But it was only 1/2" of wet snow.

gatewayuser: Did you end up replacing the front springs to the heavier ones?

-Matt

 

No I did not have to replace them they said at the plow place that the truck is strong in the front already.I was plowing 5" no problem but I keep 2,000 lbs of salt in the back.
Thanks!

 

Yeah, that 2000 pounds of salt and DRW will give you great traction.

-Matt

 

My truck is single wheels in the back wish I had duals.

 

Well, either way. Actually singles is better for plowing snow. The single tire CUTS through the snow easier than 2 can.

-Matt

 

I didn't read all the posts but my buddy has a '02 5.4 the he plows with and it does just fine. Another friend just put a 8' western ploy on his '00 f250 V10 super cab (no plow prep) and it does sag bad at all
you have to remember there are guy's out there tryin' to use 6.0L chevys

FYI my boss really liked my 8 1/2 western V-plow that I run on my '01 F350 V10 so he went down to the western dealer w/his '03 Chevy 2500HD and they told him they won't put'em on chevys, they're just too heavy for those little trucks HEHE