Hey guys - I have a question about the axle weight ratings on my truck.

I have the '07 F350 KR CrewCab/LongBed DRW with the 6.0 PSD

The front axle is rated at 5600 lbs, though apparently there was an option for a 6000 lbs axle as well.

Can someone tell me what the difference is between the 2 axle ratings? Is it just springs and suspension parts, is it a heavier axle, etc??? (or are they the same axle and suspension but rated lower because I have "The Beast" model CC/LB/DRW that weighs alot more than the smaller trucks?)?


I'm putting a snowplow on the truck, and the manufacturer is saying that the plow I want can only go on the 6000 lbs rated axle. Plow weight is 925 lbs - the smaller one that they are recommending is 675 lbs.


Anyone have any recommendations or advice?

- Is the manufacturer being too conservative - go ahead an run with the extra 250 lbs?
- Dont run it stock, but upgrade the suspension and it will be fine?
- Dont do it at all?

What say you?!?!


Thanks guys!!!

 

The problem is the engine and the plow together. Can it be done? Yes. Should you upgrade the front springs and add airbags? Yes. You will wear front end components more quickly too. While you're at it put a set of bilstein shocks all around.

When it comes time to plow, be sure to put 1000-1500 lbs of ballast in the back. DRW will handle payload, but airbags in the back are a good idea too.

You don't tell us where you are, which may impact where you should have the plow installed. There is a shop in Erie that works miracles.

Be warned that plowing close quarters with your rig will not work well, it's very long. In open spaces you should be OK.

 

Thanks for the info!

So you recommend replacing the front springs with airbags? Any recommendations on brand? I've been looking for springs but cant find anywhere that sells the ford springs - lots of aftermarket springs, but I don't know which ones are comparable to the Ford ones. (I'm kinda ignorant when it comes to the springs) - I'm leaning towards just running F450 6500 lbs springs, but havent been able to find them. Any recommendations on this....good, bad, indifferent? Are they direct replacements or are they taller and will require longer shocks?

I plan on putting Billstiens all the way around - thats the first mod I make to all of my trucks. Love the HD Billstiens! I want to make sure that the new springs that I put in dont require longer shocks, so I'm waiting to figure the spring issue out before I pull the trigger on shocks.

I hear you on the ballast - I have about 800 lbs that I ran on my old truck (not diesel, and a smaller plow) so will add 300 lbs or so to that for this year.

I'm located in MD

I know the rig will be LOOONG - it will be used for large parking lots and some long driveways (with no sharp corners)......definitely no small lots or driveways with sharp corners.


Thanks for your input!!!

 

Swap for the bigger springs. Can't say there is a compelling reason to buy one flavor over any other.

I run Firestone air bags (technically helper springs) with the on-board compressor and the cab controls.

What plow are you considering?

 

I looked at the Firestone airbag kit......I'm not sure that I want to get that elaborate if I can avoid it.

Any idea on how the ford spring codes correlate to the aftermarket springs? I've found all of the ford spring codes, but cant find anywhere to purchase them (I guess that isnt the part number) and all of the different manufacturers have their own part numbers.

I'm looking at the Blizzard PowerPlow (10ft) I had an StraightBlade 800HD (8ft) on my old truck, but with the DRW, the 8ft wont quite be wide enough.

I love the Bllizzards - been running them for 7 years now with no problems at all! What do you run?


Thanks!

 

Contact parts guy Ed (www.partsguyed.com) and buy the ford springs.

My fleet all run modified Blizzard 8611 lo-pros.

Pm your email address for more guidance

 

Thanks for the link - will definitely contact him!


PM sent

 

The springs are the only real difference...and maybe the clutch fan.

For the 6.4's they use a difference clutch fan and springs (6K) for the snow plow prep from the factory.

 

Cool - thanks for the info!

 

Ok - cant figure out how to send a PM.....I guess I'm too new to the site and dont yet have access to do that.

 

Just go to his website and send a message, just as good. He will reply there with the cost and everything. I may be a bit of a delay because of the weekend and the holiday though.

 

Will do - thanks!

 

I have a 2006 F350 CC SRW 5.4l gas - I plow with a 8.5' Western MVP with wings on it that I leave on all winter. The plow and wing weight is over 900 lb I believe. I put about 800lb of ballast in the back.

I thought that I had the plow prep package on it, but I realized that I did not when I saw the front springs were the 5,600lb ones.

I just upgraded the springs a few months ago (just was winter was ending) to the 6,000 lb springs.

I didn't have any problems plowing with the 5,600 springs, but I wanted to add a little more strength to the front to have as little sag as possible. The 6,000 springs probably helped by about 1.5 inches of reduced sag (it wasn't sagging badly, but I was hitting the pavement where my driveway meets the road because of the slope of the driveway).