Anybody running a plow on their Excursion. I bought a very lightly used Western plow so I can do my driveway. I need to upgrade my springs anyhow and am wondering what you guys with plows are running for springs ? I am looking at X-code springs http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/43-818.htm and also thinking I may want to add these Timbren Overload Helper Kits at low discounted prices and fast shipping also when using the plow for the winter season and remove them in the Spring.
Thanks Dave

 

I installed the Timbren FF350SD4 bumpstop/helper springs, with saggy stock springs, but found them to be too harsh. I took 'em off pretty quickly. And found out that their satisfaction guarantee is useless.

They'd prolly be great with the plow mounted. It's the rest of the time that's the problem.

 

I was going to install a Boss plow but the truck is too pretty still to plow snow with.

 

Kiss any resale value goodbye. I installed x code springs on my ex from SDtrucksprings.com at 109 a side it's tough to beat! Why not buy a 1,200.00 beater for you driveway instead of wearing out your excursion and doing lots of un nessacary wear and tear. IMHO the truck is not made for that, it's less than s 3/4 ton.

 

x2.
A friend in CO has an old beater pickup with chains and plow for plowing
his rural driveway and road.
If/when he gets it stuck, he can use his nice F250 to pull it out!
He doesn't need registration or insurance since it never
leaves the community. Hauls firewood well too!

 

Think of it this way, that plow is almost 400 pounds. Do you really want that hanging on your front end all winter?

 

My father has an X (I have a 250) and he put a 7'6 western ultramount on his excursion and uses it for his driveway and a friends house. I would highly recommend upgrading the springs. If you are using it for personal plowing it will be more than adequate plow truck. You can use it with the stock springs, but expect the rubber 'jounce' bumpers to be missing come spring and it will be fairly rough due to the fact you'll basically be driving with minimal suspension travel.

If you already have the mount for the truck, the additional money you would spend on upkeep of a beater, storage, etc sometimes is not worth it or a solution.

The X can handle it with upgraded springs easily. I am going to suggesting V/B if you still want a nice non bumpy ride w/o the plow attached. X code springs (not excursion springs) might be a bit harsh but then again I haven't ridden in an excursion with X codes.

 

No offense meant but my Excursion is a Limited V-10 with 200,000 miles. I don't think adding a plow is going to hurt the resale value of my 10 year old truck that drinks 4.00 a gallon gas [western NY] like I used to drink beer when I was 18, FASTTTT. Besides what am I going to wear out ? It has new Warn hubs, new ball joints, one new tie rod end. Add new X codes and the new Red Head steering box [FTE group buy] and I think it will last just fine. Although even with 200,000 miles it is still a beautiful truck [It came from the south.] Did I mention it is Mineral gray with aftermarket rims. God I love this truck.
Also why buy a POS that breaks down every time I need to plow my driveway, I need it plowed NOW not next week. Also in case you aren't familiar with NY State we are the most SUE happy state in the nation, all I need to do is back a junker plow truck into the road with no registration or insurance and hit someone or even get hit by someone and they will own my junker, my Excursion, and everything else I might own.
The worst that can happen to the Excursion is I blow the tranny or the engine, can you say HELLO POWERSTROKE.
OK enough lectures, how about it guys what do you use for springs on your EX when you plow ?
Howler4x4 I sent you an e-mail, I will take the Timbrens. Thanks

 

Hell I have an extra 30 hanging off the front of me, what's 400 on the front of an 8000 lb truck.

 

What makes you say that? Other than the springs what's different in the front end of an F350? And before you say it, I know the DRW F350s have always used a D-60, but the SRW trucks as well as the F250s didn't get them early on. What makes ours so much weaker?

 

It's just me, I would never plow with anything less than a 350. Now that the OP has given a much better description of his truck that changes my outlook on " resale value". Now as for the "what can wear out quiestion". Transmission, ball joints, ( plowing will trash them) front end components as well. I have plowed for a few years and all we use is 350/450 trucks they feel much more stable when loaded. For personal use and the fact it has 200k, go for it but I would reccomend x codes they really don't have that harsh of a ride.

 

W or X codes for sure.

Forget the Timbrens. Waste of time with X codes.

The Ex will do fine from the trans and frame standpoint.

As far as weight, You will probably find the Excursion does very well while plowing. It is already 1400lbs tail heavy compared to a F350. It will be fairly stable.

As the others said, the front steering will take a beating, so you have to watch for that. But then again, you aren't using it for constant plowing like a pro. You will be fine in my opinion.

You may want to do something to keep down rust on the underside, though.

 

man, you would die of you saw some of the install's i've done then. or my personal f-250 with a plow because apparently thats not heavy duty enough.

i have a boss plow mount for my excursion and i'm going to buy wiring. i want to have a back up incase something happens to my main plow truck.


these should make your head spin...

7'6" standard duty boss with custom steel wings. the f-150 is rated for it just fine. with ballest in the back.



this one is a bit overloaded but the same company is running 3 of these for several years without an issue. 99 V6 4x4 f-150s with 8'6" blades.




an excursion with super duty front springs would make a GREAT plow truck!

 

Given your question some thought and - nope would not want to hang a plow on the front of my Ex. Just got the V/B code thing done to her and I would say if you are dead set on hanging a plow on your rig, you would want to do at least that, but now that it is handling the best it ever has I would not want to change it by adding a plow. Don't know what kind or how much driveway you have but, why not go out and get yourself a walk behind blower or (my approach) one that can be put on your lawn tractor - probably cheaper in the long run anyway, besides I find blowing snow is better than trying to push it around.

Good luck!

 

All true. Everyone's situation IS different..
In my example, we are 8 miles off the County DIRT road
and 6 miles inside the gate to our wilderness lots.
Sliding into a tree/fence is "no problem" with a POS plow truck.
Front end out of alignment "no problem" either.
Still able to drive comfortably at highway speeds in a nice looking Ex/pickup - priceless.