Snow Plow Package???
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New User
Joined: Nov 2017
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Snow Plow Package???
Hi,
I am planning to get a 2017 / 2018 F350 Diesel sometime in the near future. Probably will get a long bed. There are a few of them at dealers near me and they have the snow plow package on them. I do not plan to use a snow plow and have some reservations about having this package on the truck if I don't need it. My understanding is that this package beefs up the stiffness of the front suspension. Will this result in a noticeably stiffer ride? Coming from a half ton truck, I am concerned that the ride of the 1 ton truck will already be stiffer than optimal for daily driving and that this will make a stiff ride even stiffer.
Any thoughts?
thanks
Matt
I am planning to get a 2017 / 2018 F350 Diesel sometime in the near future. Probably will get a long bed. There are a few of them at dealers near me and they have the snow plow package on them. I do not plan to use a snow plow and have some reservations about having this package on the truck if I don't need it. My understanding is that this package beefs up the stiffness of the front suspension. Will this result in a noticeably stiffer ride? Coming from a half ton truck, I am concerned that the ride of the 1 ton truck will already be stiffer than optimal for daily driving and that this will make a stiff ride even stiffer.
Any thoughts?
thanks
Matt
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 13
I really like the stiff ride on my 350 gasser. I ordered the snow plow package with NO intention of installing a plow. You will notice a difference coming from a 150 even without the stiffer front spring rate. Maybe with the diesel it will be less considering the weight.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 8
It's fine with the CC trucks. Regular cabs? It's a stiff bouncy ride. All the Super Duties are going to be rough compared to a F150. The F150 can't haul jack compared to a Super Duty, and is sprung as such.
I would absolutely use the plow springs with a heavy diesel. I got them because I might add a winch to my gasser. But the stiff front springs tow and haul everything better. They seem to be the hot ticket for leveling kits as well.
Control vs smooth ride? Your choice.
I would absolutely use the plow springs with a heavy diesel. I got them because I might add a winch to my gasser. But the stiff front springs tow and haul everything better. They seem to be the hot ticket for leveling kits as well.
Control vs smooth ride? Your choice.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
I have a CCLB with the snow plow pkg. The truck rides pretty well. Not a cadillac, but it rides better than my BMW M5. It's the rear that's too bouncy. Best bet is use ForScan to lower your TPMS warning to like 50 psi front, and 60 rear. Then let air out. There is NO need for 80 psi in the rears if you're not towing heavy.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 610
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From: Witness Protection Progam
I got them because I'll be having a Ranch Hand bumper and Warn Winch of which it's sitting in my Barn now. Just need the bumper. Stiff is a matter of opinion. I feel it's a Truck.... Capabilities, Capacities and lastly....
Comfort.
Comfort.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 15
It will stiffen the side some. I test drove many 2016 and 2017 variants before buying a 2017 F450 in March. With the long bed crew, the ride will be great with the plow package, and just a little better without. It made a BIG difference in the <2017 trucks as they had an annoying jiggle at highway speeds with the upsized springs.
One thing I learned for sure going through this decision - ride quality is VERY subjective. I wasn't even going to try test driving a F450 after feeling the ride of the 2016 F350 DRW. A few on this forum, with much criticism, said that the 2017 F450 rode great. Others used terms like "logging wagon" and "wanders so much it's a hazard." After finding one to test drive, my wife, kids, and I all preferred the stiffer ride and have no wandering issues with the tires at 80/70. We all expected to hate the truck before test driving, and now, after 15k miles, its still our favorite vehicle to take.
Bottom line, it's a big investment; take the time for some test drives.
One thing I learned for sure going through this decision - ride quality is VERY subjective. I wasn't even going to try test driving a F450 after feeling the ride of the 2016 F350 DRW. A few on this forum, with much criticism, said that the 2017 F450 rode great. Others used terms like "logging wagon" and "wanders so much it's a hazard." After finding one to test drive, my wife, kids, and I all preferred the stiffer ride and have no wandering issues with the tires at 80/70. We all expected to hate the truck before test driving, and now, after 15k miles, its still our favorite vehicle to take.
Bottom line, it's a big investment; take the time for some test drives.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 622
Likes: 6
From: Gladys, VA
Same here. Don't mind the ride at all.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 185
Likes: 3
From: Scenic Vermont
I wouldn’t get an SD without it. You also get a block heater, a much better alternator and a mostly level truck right off the lot. I’d have to say the difference in ride quality seems negligible to me. It’s certainly not an over the top spring rate, and as mentioned above the truck both tows and hauls better.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
my 17 RCLB diesel has the snowplow prep and the thing sit high as crap! and the ride is much better than my 15' gasser was with the snowplow prep. my new truck has nitrogen filled tires so rumor has it that also makes the ride better but im not to sure on that!
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
I wouldn’t get an SD without it. You also get a block heater, a much better alternator and a mostly level truck right off the lot. I’d have to say the difference in ride quality seems negligible to me. It’s certainly not an over the top spring rate, and as mentioned above the truck both tows and hauls better.
FWIW, I would rather drive my diesel F350 SCLB 4x4 snowplow package Lariet than my wifes Mercedes.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
It doesen't. Tire pressure is tire pressure.
