I don't have the plow pkg (160A alternator & 750A batteries). Do have the 750A batteries from the trailer tow group. Sticker says specifically that this veicle is NOT equiped for snow plow installation. The only diff is the 160A alternator. Is this reeally that big of a deal? I lmmow the lights draw a lot but guys are running them on way less than 136A alternators...

 

It's a big deal only if your concerned about your warranty. Without the factory snow plow package you will risk voiding your warranty on front end components, bearings, batteries & charging systems etc.. whatever is directly affected by adding the plow. I already went this route with my Super Duty...even though the truck could "handle" the additional weight, I was red flagged in their computer and those items I listed were voided. If warranty isn't a concern then the sky is the limit.

 

That makes sense, I wonder how/what mods can be done to make DC happy and not so fast to void the warrenty?

 

The snow plow option also includes different and stiffer front springs to help support the weight of the plow. The larger alternator and the upgraded batteries already come with the CTD.

 

I too have wondered about the springs. I've been told by all the dealers (not that they're right) that the Diesels come with the heaviest springs available - if I remember my shopping correctly this goes for Ford too. Now if you got the gassers then they actualy put heavier springs in, probably the diesel springs. It's all hear-say. I've seen no proof.

Good thing is the Western Plow uni-mount set-up uses existing bolt holes - no drilling, no welding, no cutting. Maybe I can get away with it. I'll feel out my local dealership and see what their attitude is about it.

Anybody actually plowing with one of these new 600's?

 

I have the snow plow option on my truck...haven't decided on a plow yet but am looking. I believe the comment about the springs on the plow package is correct, I will look at mine at try and get a number off the spring pack.

 

My truck has the plow prep too. I'll probably throw a plow on it in a few years.

When I bought the truck the sales manager (for trucks) told me about how plowing without the factory prep package will void the warrentee, so to my knowledge that is correct.

He also said not to buy a plow bigger than 7.5', and reccomended a 7.5' Ficher.

The reason: The CTD is alot heavier than the Hemi, so you're not supposed to put any bigger plow on it than a 7 1/2 footer.

Hemi can take the bigger plow.

 

You also need to put approx 600lbs of ballast in the bed to balance the load. I'm looking into a poly plow to try and save the weight but based on what I'm seeing it doesn't save too much.

 

No, you don't need it for plowing.
No, it will not void any warranty at all.
It wasn't even available when I ordered mine in early 03.
Poly blades wiegh more in most cases cause of the reinforcing of the poly with steel.
Yes, you will need some help in the rear, I've found the added lbs. better for traction than ballast.
I just came from the dealer shop for a warranty ball joint replacement job and the sub frame was on my truck!
I even asked if they thought the plow led to premature ball joint failure..... they said NO.
Never a problem with the juice, plenty of amps.

 

On my '03 2500 I had timbrens installed to help out with the load of the Western MVP. I'm in the process of transferring that plow to my 3500 and talked to the dealer yesterday about upgrading the spring package and he said he'll go one better, and I'm still not sure what he means but I'll find out next week.

The timbrens are great and I'll probably put them in again too, but that MVP is heavy and having done it on the 2500 I just feel that an upgrade in the springs would be a nice touch.

FWIW a 7.5' plow on these trucks would almost be pointless as you'd always have the wheels going through the windrows.

These are great workhorses for the plows, just don't abuse them and you'll be fine!

By the way, which western plow are you going with? On my MVP we had to drill a second set of holes behind the tow hook bracket holes, might want to double check with your dealer.

Ken

 

I wrote a previous post in length about the front springs on our trucks. Do a search "front spring part numbers" and you will find it. In short, your springs are selected according to weight of the truck and options. When the SNOW PLOW pkg is ordered the springs are "plus 1". Hard to explain here, but a good example is two trucks identical in every way except one has the plow pkg. The one without-a diesel Q/C-will usually have springs 52113984 on pass side and 52113985 on drivers side. The truck-diesel Q/C with plow pkg-will have 52113985 PASS side and 52113986 on the drivers side. So if you dont have the plow pkg and want it to have the same springs as if it did check you springs tape tags. The driver spring will be the higher part number by "1" (see my other post). Order one (yes only one) spring from dodge with a part number that is "1" greater than the number on your driver spring. Take the new spring put it on the driver side and move your "old" driver spring to the pass side-your done.

 

Looking at the Western Uni-Mount. Looks like a fire and forget solution. Don't want to cut and drill . 2 Holes to drill wouldn't be too bad. Steel blade that my buddy is fixin up and building the frame for me. I have a stainless spreader in the back and a pallat of salt - that ought to cover the ballast.

I'll looked at my spring #s: Driver side, brown tag 52113985 - Pass side, green tag, 52113984. 136A alternator.

Thanks mjf6175!!!

Now anyone know if the dealer will not void my warranty if I upgrade the Driver spring? I will be plowing this winter, but if it costs me my warranty then it's not worth it. Hoping some of you out there work at dealers and can get the official DC scoop...

Thanks!

 

I thought all the diesels have 160 alternator, and 170 with towing package. I'll have to check this.

Pete

 

I thought so to. I checked my options list and see the 160 amp alternator included with the snow plow prep but nothing about a 160 amp with the trailer tow. Wasn't there a thread awhile back that indicated the 160 was standard with the diesel because of the heater grids and batteries??

 

You should go to Western's website and use their Quickmatch to see what setups and ballast is recomended for your current truck. You may be over the GVWR and/or GAWR with the pallet of salt depending on where it is placed. The only way to verify is to load the truck and weigh it at a scale.