snow plow question
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snow plow question
I'm very new to this site and I just want to say thanks in advance for all the help I receive from this site. I have a similar thread in 2009 catagory; I apologize; newbie mistake.
My problem: I own a 06 f150 xlt 4x4 crew cab short bed w/ a 5.4 engine; I was told that it's not a good idea to put a plow on my truck. When I ask why, noone could give me a straight answer. All the other models (extended cab, single cab, long bed,etc.) are ok for plows; just not the crew cab. This coming from a company that installs them. Is my truck ok to put a plow on or is it dangerous in some way. I know the wear and tear a plow puts on a truck, but I'm willing to put her through it, the money is too good. I need her for work and play. I know a guy who has the same model as mine and he has a plow. I'm just wondering if it's dangerous or not. Also, will a leveling kit stop the front end from sagging so much if I do put a plow on? All responses are greatly appreciated.
My problem: I own a 06 f150 xlt 4x4 crew cab short bed w/ a 5.4 engine; I was told that it's not a good idea to put a plow on my truck. When I ask why, noone could give me a straight answer. All the other models (extended cab, single cab, long bed,etc.) are ok for plows; just not the crew cab. This coming from a company that installs them. Is my truck ok to put a plow on or is it dangerous in some way. I know the wear and tear a plow puts on a truck, but I'm willing to put her through it, the money is too good. I need her for work and play. I know a guy who has the same model as mine and he has a plow. I'm just wondering if it's dangerous or not. Also, will a leveling kit stop the front end from sagging so much if I do put a plow on? All responses are greatly appreciated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 6
From: Ketchikan, AK.
a leveling kit itself will not prevent the truck from sagging.... it will sit higher, but still sag the same amount due to the weight..... that being said, it could sit ok when the plow is on, but but be nose high with it off.... what you need to do is upgrade your springs for the extra weight.
as for being safe, i cant see why the crew cab would have anything to do with preventing you from using a plow..... where i live i see a supercrew use one every winter.
ohh, and welcome to the boards !!!!
as for being safe, i cant see why the crew cab would have anything to do with preventing you from using a plow..... where i live i see a supercrew use one every winter.
ohh, and welcome to the boards !!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,195
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From: Sunapee NH
First, the only F150s Ford recommends putting a plow on are the regular cab or super cab trucks with the heavy duty payload package. However there are some F150 owners who put plows on anyway. Check out the plow manufacturer of your choice and see what they recommend for a supercrew. For instance, Fisher only recommends the light duty Homesteader for your truck.
The reason for not recommending a plow on the supercrew is front axle capacity. You're more limited due to the extra weight of the crew cab.
One more thing to consider, when it's time to trade your truck in. Expect to get hammered on the price because you have a plow on a "not rated for one" truck. But then again with the truck market as trashed as it is, that may not matter afterall.
Personally, I would take advantage of the weak truck market and grab a solid plow truck and forget about trashing your crew.
The reason for not recommending a plow on the supercrew is front axle capacity. You're more limited due to the extra weight of the crew cab.
One more thing to consider, when it's time to trade your truck in. Expect to get hammered on the price because you have a plow on a "not rated for one" truck. But then again with the truck market as trashed as it is, that may not matter afterall.
Personally, I would take advantage of the weak truck market and grab a solid plow truck and forget about trashing your crew.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 3
From: Kzoo
I've had a plow on my truck for three years this November and I haven't had any problems. I had the dealership put heavy duty springs into the front to help with the extra weight of the plow so that may want to be something you want to consider.
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
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From: SE Georgia
if you really want to do it...
1. buy the Heavy Duty front coil springs
2. replace your stock front coil springs with the HD ones
3. plow.
but I agree with svt2205. the Screw is almost 6,000 lbs stock. a snow plow adds what? about 300-400 lbs to the front end. you are going to start eating upper/lower control arms and bushings.
1. buy the Heavy Duty front coil springs
2. replace your stock front coil springs with the HD ones
3. plow.
but I agree with svt2205. the Screw is almost 6,000 lbs stock. a snow plow adds what? about 300-400 lbs to the front end. you are going to start eating upper/lower control arms and bushings.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2008
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From: Beavercreek, Ohio
I heard there is a company that manufacturers extra heavy duty contol arms and bushings for these trucks, which are intended for heavy off road use. These come in a kit, which also includes new HD Springs, Shocks and hardware. These should be plenty strong enough for use with a snow plow, but I can't remember the name of the manufacturer. Possibly "Skyjacker or Sidewinder," I'm not real sure. I think you can get these extra heavy duty control arms and bushings at Jegs and Summit Racing if I'm not mistaken. The only drawback is adding these aftermarket parts to a fairly new truck may void the factory warranty if the warranty has not run out already. These can easily be installed in a day if you have access to a hydraulic press or another means to press the bushings in with, but you will need to get the truck's wheels realigned afterwards. Hope this helps.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
depends on what kind of plowing you plan on doing.....i have had mine on 3 different trucks, '03, '06, and '08...the '08 is a supercrew with the 6.5 ft bed..they also say not to plow with it...i have western's version of the Homesteader, the Suburbanite....never had one problem, but I also don't do commercial plowing....all i've done is flush the fluid every year...both the trucks and the plow have been trouble free...no squat in the front end at all, and no steering you around a corner either when its slick out
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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depends on what kind of plowing you plan on doing.....i have had mine on 3 different trucks, '03, '06, and '08...the '08 is a supercrew with the 6.5 ft bed..they also say not to plow with it...i have western's version of the Homesteader, the Suburbanite....never had one problem, but I also don't do commercial plowing....all i've done is flush the fluid every year...both the trucks and the plow have been trouble free...no squat in the front end at all, and no steering you around a corner either when its slick out
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
they would have to prove that the plow did the damage to void a warranty...i have brought the truck into the dealership with the plow still attached for service and I have never been questioned....EVER....some plows are just waaay too big for our trucks and yet people still put them on....be smart in your plow selection and even smarter in your plowing and you shouldnt have any issues
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 424
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From: New Jersey
I have been thinking about the blizzard plow for mine. The set up is a great one. I have an 06 6.5 ft bed quad cab. the guy at the plow dealer was very helpful. I can get the whole set up for around 4200 installed.
Mark
Mark
New User
Joined: Nov 2008
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I will be pickin up my new 08 stx extended cab this week witha plow....should i ask the dealer to put the heavy duty springs on it like you can do with the xlt's???I will be doing a lot of plowing but only driveways....nothing big
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 393
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Another thing you can consider is www.plowsite.com these guys do this for a living they probably can answers many of the questions...