I recently purchased a 93 dually D350 with 2WD. NV4500.
i want to plow with it (yes, i know its 2WD) anyone out there doing this set up now? how effective is it? (yes, I know i have to put weight it the bed). i plan to get dually chains.

8' is in my plans, i figure 9' is probably too large for 2WD but....i have seen these running around...fords and chevys with 2WD and 9' plow.

cost factor to get this to be posi/limited slip?

i plow currently with some different machinery but rather keep this D350 a bargain work truck. i do not want to go spending exorbinant amounts on this truck.

thank you for reading.

 

put a big sander in the bed and you won't need chains

you will need a fresh set of aggressive snow & ice-rated tires tho'

 

I agree with Sortie...Agressive Studded winter tires, and a ton of weight in the rear...you should be golden. As for a limited slip...there are cheap-er traction loc set-ups that can be installed with basic know how, and hand tools, in your drive way.

 

I have a D350 with the limited slip third member. Saved my bacon at bad boat landings more than once.

 

Chains are great for getting traction.... but they can destroy a driveway's surface in seconds .


Hope your customers don't mind.

BTW,

Start searching for your plow right away, as our trucks are becoming more scarce for finding manufacturers who supply plow mounts for them. CL or custom fab something is usually the only way to get a mount.

 

Have you done your rear with one of these LS or posi "add ons"?
How was that? Any long term issues?

Work well?
Tx

 

Stock, well maintained.

 

Limited slip aftermarkets generally tend to wear out rather quickly, depending on whom you get. All limited slip diffs have a "life expectancy" as they contain clutches that wear out. Open diffs that don't retain clutches will last much longer, but have less traction provided to the rear wheels. With 4wd, it's not big deal to have an open diff, but with 2wd, you're going to get stuck quite a bit.

I have a chrysler power loc in my truck that came stock from the factory, and the clutches are just beginning to wear out @ 170,000 miles on it. I just ordered the tool to get the carrier apart, as the bearing preload won't allow it to come loose. After I replace the clutches and worn out spiders, I should be good for another 170k or so. Make sure you use the LS Diff additive in there, otherwise you'll blow those clutches out really fast.

If you have 2wd, then the LS is the way to roll. Try finding a factory power loc, as they're really stout.... from my experience anyway.

 

Downeaster 7' DP-1607 spreader

I'm sure they're available used too, last winter produced NO meaningful snow in my area (Metro NY)

 

I'd definately recommend a locking rear end of some sort.

I have a 4X4 with it and love it. My dad has the same exact truck except a manual with an open diff and there's a world of difference. I can get his stuck on flat wet grass in two wheel drive...

 

A two wheel drive may get stuck in the field pretty easily. How many bottom blow are you planning on pulling? I hate to say it, but a tractor really may be better suited for what you're doing. I don't think you're going to be able to pull a plow wider than your rear end, so you're going to end up mashing down the freshly plowed rows beside you.

It's a little old school, but have you considered a good mule? They can actually make pretty good friends in the long run as well...

 

Dad plowed our driveway for years with a 79 F250 2wd. Bald tires and chains all around and a few fish trays full of salted sand. Driveway is gravel, so no worries about damage to asphalt. Differential was open, but our dooryard is all flat with no hills. I would be very cautious if you have down hill pushes that result in a snowbank. Backing up will be difficult.

We would drive a mile down the road to do my grandmothers dooryard as well. We tried to go over there before the roads were plowed to help the ashpalt roads. However, it is legal to drive on the road with chains here.

 

perhaps members who plow could post pics of their rigs in action?

my neighbor is a contractor who plows and he's dying to hang a 7' Western off my front end

I keep telling him my truck is for hauling and towing, NOT pushing!

even our beefy frame rails are going to be torqued by plowing wet, heavy snow

if I had a house with a super-long driveway I would buy a hydraulic vee to keep the load symmetrical

 

Osh Kosh plow - OK, so it has a Cat instead of a Cummins..still cool truck