How can I tell if I have the plow prep package on my truck? I don't have the original window sticker, and the guy at the dealer said thats the only way to tell. Thanks, Dale.

 

Look at the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.

Where it lists Front GAWR, the snow plow prep is 6000lbs on the front axle.


I don't think the snow plow prep was available on the older diesels......but I could be wrong.

 

I would, and in fact have, call Ford and ask for an original build sheet. That's how I learned that my truck has that option.


It seems that this option gets you heavier front springs (as noted by DC), the high ouput alternator, and something special about the engine cooling fan. That last one is a little mysterious, I don't really know what it is. So I just think of it as an upgraded fan for improved air flow around the plow.

None of those things are going to prove you have that option because the springs were available as part of other package such as the slide-in camper prep, or by itself in the case of the alternator. And I don't know what to look for in the fan area.

I don't think there will be a sure-fire way to tell other than the build sheet.

Bill

 

Stolen from Ford's 2006 Order Guide:

SNOW PLOW PREP PACKAGE (86M)
Availability:

• Requires 4x4
• Not available with Heavy Service Suspension Package (674)

Includes:

• Computer selected springs for snowplow application.
• Rear auxiliary springs
• 140-amp alternator with Power Stroke® diesel engine
• Unique fan clutch with Power Stroke® diesel engine for improved cooling

NOTE 1: Restrictions apply; see Supplemental Reference or Body Builders Layout Book for details.



There will likely be other differences between various model years, but, this should give you some kind of an idea.

 

From what I have read Ford did not offer a 6000 lb front gvw till 2005. I will have to call ford and get the build sheet. What number do I call?

 

The '03 front axle was rated at 5200#, but 6000# springs were used with the snow plow package. You are correct '05 was the first year the front axle was rated at 6000#.

I am not sure what the phone number is off hand, you can find in in your owners manual. You can also e-mail them at crcfmc@ford.com and request your build sheet. Just make sure to include your VIN and contact information, including phone and address.

 

The standard fan clutch will almost come to a stop when the computer disengages it on the 6.0L motor. The SPP (snow plow prep) fan clutch has more initial engagement to aid in air movement around the plow in those applications and was an updated part not initially used on all 6.0L motors. I do not have any part numbers, but do remember seeing a TSB regarding cooling issues on trucks with the SPP or plow trucks in general. I think the update was only covered under warranty if it was originally a SPP truck.

As I recall on 7.3L vehicles, the upgrades were the front springs and rear auxiliary springs (for in bed spreaders).

Not sure what the aux springs do really. I had 4000lbs in mine recently and they didn't even engage unless I was off camber and one side would hit. Stability maybe in extreme manuvers?

 

I had the fan clutch go out on mine and asked about that when they were replacing it under warranty at the dealer. The head diesel tech looked it up and told me that there was no different part number. Also, my truck had 4800# front springs not 5200# springs. I had a spring shop make me a set of extra leafs to add 1200# and lif it about 2.5" to level the front end.

 

99-04 snow package trucks had the X springs up front (6000#) springs.


From what I remember.....you could not order the 7.3 with the snow plow prep if it was a crew cab (too much weight over the front end).

 

You just brought up a good point! You could not get the snow plow package on a '03 CC with PSD either.

From the '03 order guide..

Snow Plow Package (86M) - 4X4 only. NA on Super Cab w/158" WB or Crew Cab with Power Stroke engine. NA with Heavy Service Suspension pkg. or MAX front GAWR pkg.

 

On the door jamb sticker, what are the 2 letters under where it says "SPR"? Should be somthing like UP, VP or XP.

 

Actually, that settles the OP question, b/c that is right. No SPP on PSD Trucks with 158/156/172 w/b.

158 supercab long bed, 156 crew sb, 172 crew lb.

 

So from 05-07 with coil springs is it the same deal? X code on the door?

 

Can you put a plow on a Super Duty w/o the snow plow prep package?

 

I just looked and my 04 has 5200# front axle, XY springs.