Snow Plow advice

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 13, 2011 | 08:55 PM

jimzigg

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 70

Likes: 0

Snow Plow advice

Looking into adding a 8.5 ft plow approx 800 lbs. Plowsite.com has a number of Ex plow runners but I have not had any success to my posts.

Question is about springs in front. I know that most suggest upgrading springs to X or V code to run the plow. My installers said to forget about new springs or "add a leaf", he uses Air Lift product called Air Cells with good success. There is no direct application for the Ex but there is one for the F250 and also the F350 both w/o snow plow prep pkg. I assume both those trucks had stiffer springs to begin with than the Ex but wondering if the Air Cells might be enough to hold the plow? I also would assume the F250 spring was softer than the F350 and would be closest to the Ex spring.

Any experience here? Will I still need to put blocks in rear?

Sep 13, 2011 | 09:12 PM

wpnaes

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 30,595

Likes: 1,236

From: N. IL

Never heard of Air Cells. The Ex isn't the most common plower - find a used plow and bolt /wire it up. Just change out to the X codes's and plow away. The plow will 'hold' with your stock springs, it'll just be a rough ride on what's left of your front bumpstops when the blade is up. See how it looks with the X codes and plow before messing with the rear. Honestly, consider a shorter wheelbase truck already set up for plowing before sinkin' money into the Ex Plow. I bet you could find a 15yr old, very rusty truck/plow already set up for what it'll cost to convert your Ex with a new Meyer/Western. My 2c.

Sep 13, 2011 | 09:26 PM

jimzigg

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 70

Likes: 0

Thanks. I have considered a dedicated plow truck but can get a used sno-way set up installed for $1800. The air cells actually sit in place of the factory bumpstop:

Air Lift Air Cell Helper Spring Kit, Air Lift AirCell - TruckSpring.com

Sep 14, 2011 | 08:50 AM

airjeff

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 450

Likes: 1

I'm not sure those would work because there is so little space between the frame/bumpstop and spring. The X codes would give you enough room, and the V codes might, but I'm not sure. If that shop has done it have them take a look and they'll know how much room they need.

Sep 14, 2011 | 11:09 AM

AlaskanEx

Bleed Ford Blue

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 13,578

Likes: 157

From: Anchorage Alaska

go X code and forget about it. they will hold it wonderfully.

i'm debating on adding a plow mount/wiring for my boss plow to my excursion, so i would have a option of running either my f250 or excursion..we'll see.

Sep 14, 2011 | 11:57 AM

jimzigg

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 70

Likes: 0

thanks for feedback! i confirmed that aircell has no application for the excurison and using the f250 version may not be possible due to spring difference. however, i did find out that timbren does have an excursion application about $200 for the same sort of load support "bump stops" and are rated at 3000 lbs. i assume there will be enough room to place the timbrens in due to the availability of the product. if i get a confirm i will post it here.

Sep 14, 2011 | 08:14 PM

housedad

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,790

Likes: 24

From: Mount Royal, NJ

I had looked at getting a plow early on. Studied it pretty hard, too.

At the time, I had decided that this would be the correct solution for me:

Front Airlift springs (air bags) for Ford Excursion

Air Lift Company LOADLIFTER 5000; LEAF SPRING LEVELING KIT - 4 Wheel Drive

And use this with V code springs, (best ride when running without the snowplow) However, the air springs are enough by themselves to handle the plow.
also could use W code for weight control along with the front bags, but they will give a 2.5 inch lift in the front all by themselves, *** opposed to 1.5 to 1.75 inch lift of the V codes

The above solution beats the hell out of Timkens or other passive systems. You have the capability of having the suspension beefed up, or riding smooth depending on whether hooked or not, and maintain a decent suspension travel distance while travelling from place to place with the plow. With the Others, they are basically a snubber that allows your frame to ride on the axle. Not too fun if you hit a bump.