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2014 SD and a Plow

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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 05:28 PM
  #1  
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2014 SD and a Plow

Hi Guys -

I've got a bead on a 2014 250 SD with a 6.2, but it doesn't have a snow plow prep package. Can these trucks run a plow without the prep package? I'm getting conflicting information from the deal stating that the warranty goes bye-bye if a plow is added to a truck without the plow prep package.

Whats the REAL story??? Much thanks!
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 05:41 PM
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I was told by Ford If a plow is installed on a non plow prep truck the warranty is void. that's why I bought a Plow prep package truck. Im sure it varies but that's what the dealer told me.


The plow package trucks include the 5940 LB Front end with heavier springs, larger alternator, and a larger transmission cooler. You can install one without the prep package but your truck will handle horribly.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 05:51 PM
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In my limited driving life I've come across one thing when it comes to dealers as warranties. Each dealer will pick and choose what they want to honor if its not explicitly written, and even then. There are 5 dealers for jeeps within 40 minutes of me, 3 don't care if you lift and wheel it as far as the warranty. 1 will warranty if they do the work ( not sure if that's legal) and 1 will void your Warranty if you put a plus sized tire on without touching anything else.

Its all about finding the correct person to play ball.

However. With that being said... if you're planning to plow getting the plow package is advisable do you don't have to do the upgrades in your own.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 05:57 PM
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I was also told it would void the warranty
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 07:30 PM
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But void the warranty on what? The ball joints, alt, transmission? To the OP, what size plow do you wan to run and do you plow commercial? I doubt installing a larger trans cooler is that big of a deal. Ad a leaf to the front, get the bigger alt and cooler for what.....about $700.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Boss08v10
But void the warranty on what? The ball joints, alt, transmission? To the OP, what size plow do you wan to run and do you plow commercial? I doubt installing a larger trans cooler is that big of a deal. Ad a leaf to the front, get the bigger alt and cooler for what.....about $700.
Plow package is a $100~ option....
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 07:48 PM
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The 05+ trucks were all coil springs in front

It all really depends on the dealer I guess but, I was told they would decline service on drive-line and suspension components. Every truck on the dealer lot I got my truck from had the plow prep package XL, XLT, and lariat trucks had it.

According to my window sticker the "Snow Plow Prep Package" was 85.00
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 08:14 PM
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I don't know why every 4x4 doesn't come with it.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 08:27 PM
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The warranty comes from Ford, not your local dealer. And they have to prove that your modification caused a failure, they can NOT void a warranty simply because you have a plow.

Exceptions to every rule of course. If your plow blocks the airflow to your radiator and you're cruising the interstate in 90° weather with it mounted, they will probably not cover your engine if you burn it up. They will still cover balljoints because the plow prep trucks use the same parts.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2014 | 07:42 AM
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Thanks for the responses Guys -

I can't figure out why a dealer would have the higher trim level trucks (in wisconsin no less) without the prep package. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I wasn't going to plow commercial, just my driveway. It's about 1/4 mile long and I"ve been using a ATV for the past 10 years. It's getting old, especially after THIS winter.

With the 2015's starting to roll out, I'm thinking the dealer may want to deal a little bit more on the KR that I have my eye on, but it doesn't have the plow prep on it, which at this point would be a show stopper for the truck if I can't put a plow on it without having warranty issues.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2014 | 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeP53521
I can't figure out why a dealer would have the higher trim level trucks (in wisconsin no less) without the prep package. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
It makes complete sense to me. Plow prep trucks have a significantly higher spring rate for the front axle, which means it's going to ride noticeably rougher when unloaded. A truck that rides like crap is a truck that's harder to sell, and most snow removal businesses don't purchase high end trucks.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2014 | 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom
It makes complete sense to me. Plow prep trucks have a significantly higher spring rate for the front axle, which means it's going to ride noticeably rougher when unloaded. A truck that rides like crap is a truck that's harder to sell, and most snow removal businesses don't purchase high end trucks.
i dont think is true in my eyes and back anyways. Two weeks ago my dad asked me to go with him to look at new F150 and SD trucks, we test drove about eight or nine of them only two were F150's. We drove 6.2 F250 and F350 crew cab short and long bed some without the plow package and some with it, im very picky so i personally checked the air pressure before we left the lot on EVER truck and i couldn't tell the difference in front end ride between the non plow and plow packaged trucks, but for some reason i felt the crew cab long bed bounced over bumps in the rear instead of taking the bump like the short bed crews did funny huh?
 
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Old Apr 9, 2014 | 08:37 AM
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When I bought my 14 F250 I was told directly by Ford customer care that with my truck being a commercial sale would void all warranty by adding a plow on a non prep truck.

Mine is considered commercial with the warranty being less so maybe that has something to do with it.

My Negibor has a 2014 KR F250 with the plow prep and it's still almost level with the plow up. I've seen them without prep pack and they will sag about 4-5 inches with the plow up.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2014 | 09:04 AM
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When my truck had the plow on it it only sagged about an inch or 2 with the plow up. Personally I recommend it because even with the heavy duty alternator the lights and vents basically everything electrical would dim or slow down (vents/ windows wtc.). I think after extended use a regular alternator it wouldn't be able to keep up as well, also the spring sag would be a significantly more and the truck wont ride nice. However now that I don't plow...my front end rides like a brick lol.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2014 | 10:04 AM
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Add a 350 lb front bumper like I did and it will ride just fine.
 
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