plowing
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Castine, ME
plowing
hey there, I have an '86 f150 that I would be interested in plowing with (nothing serious, perhaps a 7' for doing driveways and parking lots). The problem? My truck is 2WD!! Is it possible to plow with a 2wd truck; does anyone have any experience with this? If so, what mods should be made other than good tires and A LOT of weight in the bed? Thanks,
Captain Tim Bland
1986 F150 2wd LWB
300 I6 1bbl
3.08 geared 9"
three speed w/od
Captain Tim Bland
1986 F150 2wd LWB
300 I6 1bbl
3.08 geared 9"
three speed w/od
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Joined: Aug 1999
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plowing
I would recommend not plowing with a 2wd less than a 1 ton dually. If you must plow snow, buy a "CHEAP" 4x4 cause plowing is tough on a truck. Besides, its been my experience that there is no money to be made in plowing snow. You end up spending it out in fuel and repairs.
Nathan
Nathan
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Joined: Aug 2000
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From: SW Michigan
plowing
Tim- you can do it, but what is your motivation here? Yes snowplwing has been done for alot longer than four wheel drive was commonly available. Every county snowplow I've seen is rear wheel drive only but is two and a half tons or bigger. even in a properly equipped 4wd you don't have a cash cow. The first thing you would have to do is change gears, most of us plow in low range. This doubles your pushing power. Gearing your six popper low enough to do the work will leave you with a truck too slow for anny other use. Nathan is right it would be easier to buy a different truck to plow with. DF
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Joined: Jul 1999
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From: New Egypt, New Jersey
plowing
I totally agree with Nathan and Dinosaurfan as far as plowing with a 2WD. I beleive the money making part depends on what part of the country you are from though. I've done very well with it, and the money I've made from plowing over the years has by far exceeded any repairs I've had to shell out for. If you live in an area where not everyone has a plow but you get a decent amount of snowfall, you keep the truck greased and do regular maintenance checks, and you take it kinda easy while plowing, you could pay off a older used 4x4 in no time. I've been plowing with my daily driver ('79 F150 4x4 351M C6 Auto 7.5' Fisher) for 18 years now. I bought my plow used for $700.00. It paid for itself after the second snowstorm.
Kenny
Kenny
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Castine, ME
plowing
yep, you guys are right, and I have my eye on an 85 4WD F150 to replace the 2WD anyway. I live in Connecticut, so there is usually a fair ammount of snowfall each winter, and like you said, few people own plow trucks. I am not new to plowing, so I think I have the skill to go easy enough that my next truck will last. Thanks for avoiding a potentially bad situation.
Captain Tim Bland
1986 F150 LWB 2WD
300 I6 1bbl
3.08 geared 9"
three w/od
Captain Tim Bland
1986 F150 LWB 2WD
300 I6 1bbl
3.08 geared 9"
three w/od
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Dryden, Ontario
plowing
Hi, just another newbie at the plowing thing.
I have an '86 F-150 4x with 302, 4:11's and have to agree with the others, 2 wheel drive, prob. not a good idea. I have had to change the springs on the front end (went to 3/4 ton) and put gas shocks on as well, as the old myers 7' plow was just to heavy for the old suspension.
Biggest thing I have learned, scope out what you are going to plow before the snow falls. If not, things like rocks, etc...will hurt the plow, and the front end. Better to avoid things like that, and like was mentioned, in 4 lo, you have the power, and the traction, at a slower speed. 4x is also nice in case you push too far off the road, and need the weight on the front end to help back out (your drive tires are under the weight of the plow, lot better than relying on only the rear wheels to get out).
Have fun with the plowing, it sure is nice to be inside a cab, instead of out behind a snowblower
I have an '86 F-150 4x with 302, 4:11's and have to agree with the others, 2 wheel drive, prob. not a good idea. I have had to change the springs on the front end (went to 3/4 ton) and put gas shocks on as well, as the old myers 7' plow was just to heavy for the old suspension.
Biggest thing I have learned, scope out what you are going to plow before the snow falls. If not, things like rocks, etc...will hurt the plow, and the front end. Better to avoid things like that, and like was mentioned, in 4 lo, you have the power, and the traction, at a slower speed. 4x is also nice in case you push too far off the road, and need the weight on the front end to help back out (your drive tires are under the weight of the plow, lot better than relying on only the rear wheels to get out).
Have fun with the plowing, it sure is nice to be inside a cab, instead of out behind a snowblower
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