Snow Plow Prep Package?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,153
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
My heavy service springs, gawr 5600, on my 2019 diesel put it 1/2 higher than the other similar trucks on the lot with stock 5200 springs.
If I ordered again i would have stayed stock and did a 1 inch lift and 1 degree caster shim.
If I ordered again i would have stayed stock and did a 1 inch lift and 1 degree caster shim.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 574
Likes: 39
If its a 6.7 diesel it should be about 1 inch taller in the front via stiffer snow plow springs. Your white door sticker will tell you your front gawr: 5200 stock, 5600 Heavy service, and 5990 or 6000 will be snowplow.
I believe you can go up one inch on the stock shocks from the 5200 springs, as them and snowplow springs use the same shocks.
Anything over 5200 stock springs may need caster adjustment in the alignment. Does it bumpsteer bad and wonder on the road? Even with the prep package and springs the engineers expect you to weigh the front end back down so everything lines back up, hope that makes sense.
Once you are around 2 inches you probably need a trackbar drop bracket.
Figure out what you have. Pics etc help. If it drives fine you probably have nothing to worry about.
YMMV
I believe you can go up one inch on the stock shocks from the 5200 springs, as them and snowplow springs use the same shocks.
Anything over 5200 stock springs may need caster adjustment in the alignment. Does it bumpsteer bad and wonder on the road? Even with the prep package and springs the engineers expect you to weigh the front end back down so everything lines back up, hope that makes sense.
Once you are around 2 inches you probably need a trackbar drop bracket.
Figure out what you have. Pics etc help. If it drives fine you probably have nothing to worry about.
YMMV
Don't know if this is still accurate for the 2020s, but it suggests to get the front alignment after the snowplow equipment is placed on the vehicle.
• Front end wheel alignment (toe) and headlight aim may require readjustment after installation of snowplow equipment. Failure to reset front wheel alignment may cause premature uneven tire wear. If required, reset to chassis manufacturer’s specifications found in the Ford Shop Manual.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,153
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
Yes you may need an alignment.
I dont think they adjust caster on the assembly line differently from the 5200, 5600, and 5990 springs. But its probably optimal at the height the 5200 springs are at.
I dont think they adjust caster on the assembly line differently from the 5200, 5600, and 5990 springs. But its probably optimal at the height the 5200 springs are at.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 4
for those with the snow plow prep package, how is everyday normal driving ? I am looking to buy a 2020 F250 6.2 regular cab which has it, which I will never use. Just don't want to get something that's going to have adverse day to today driving characteristics because of it. Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
for those with the snow plow prep package, how is everyday driving without using the snow plow prep package? I am looking to buy a 2020 F250 regular cab which has it, which I will never use. Just don't want to get something that's going to have adverse day to today driving characteristics because of it. Thanks
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 4
I currently own a 17 F250 without it, the truck I'm looking to buy will be my work truck but unfortunately I'm not able to test-drive it as it is in a different state. From what I gather the truck with the snow plow prep package will sit pretty level compared to one without it , which to me would be a plus. I have read mixed reviews with people saying that they don't notice anything and other saying that the drive is very harsh. I think I also read on Ford's website that the snow plow package "may" affect ride quality.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 574
Likes: 39
Agree! There are too many factors for anyone to decide for you. Location, personal preference, vehicle configuration, etc...
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 961
Likes: 442
From: Adirondacks
for those with the snow plow prep package, how is everyday normal driving ? I am looking to buy a 2020 F250 6.2 regular cab which has it, which I will never use. Just don't want to get something that's going to have adverse day to today driving characteristics because of it. Thanks
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 574
Likes: 39
I currently own a 17 F250 without it, the truck I'm looking to buy will be my work truck but unfortunately I'm not able to test-drive it as it is in a different state. From what I gather the truck with the snow plow prep package will sit pretty level compared to one without it , which to me would be a plus. I have read mixed reviews with people saying that they don't notice anything and other saying that the drive is very harsh. I think I also read on Ford's website that the snow plow package "may" affect ride quality.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 4
[QUOTE=nitebreeze;19433293]I/QUOTE]
thanks man, was trying to get input from people who have actually tried both. If you don't notice much of a difference that probably stands true. I would expect it to have a stiffer front end in comparison to one without it,just don't want anything to exaggerated
thanks man, was trying to get input from people who have actually tried both. If you don't notice much of a difference that probably stands true. I would expect it to have a stiffer front end in comparison to one without it,just don't want anything to exaggerated
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 4
All you have mentioned are true. The front end will be about an inch higher. If it's something you want and later decide the ride is too harsh, swap out the springs for a couple hundred buck. I have the snow plow prep on mine and don't mind the ride but my truck is configured differently.