I know a guy that has a 03 2500 CTD he uses this truck as a plow in the winter, and wants to put a 2.5” levelling kit on the front end. Between his plow and his new custom bumper and larger tires and rims he has added approximately 1200#’s to the front end of his truck (yes he goes though a lot of ball joints) What shocks do you guy’s use or recommend that will help with the weight and have a good ride when the plow is removed during the spring and summer?

Thanks in advance
Harold

 

Mines a 1 ton if that makes much of a difference, but have used Skyjacker Nitro's for over a year with no problems.

 

A good set of quality shocks is what i would reccomend, the shocks are there to control unsprung weight, everything he has added , is sprung weight. What he should do it add a stiffer set of coils , instead of just a spacer.

 

Stiffer coils will definitely will help with the added weight, but will make for a much rougher ride when the plow is not on. Spacers will keep the truck from sagging too much without knocking your fillings out and rattling your truck apart. Adding weight to your bed can help also. Make sure your plow is not to heavy for your truck too.

 

Most plows are 2 heavy for the Diesel, I had to lie to BOSS they said they didn't have a plow to fit, so I had to say it was a gasser instead, go figure. Shocks won't carry a load unless it is an air shock. I need about a 1/2 ton of weight in the back to get the truck to level out.

 

I got a 8' Blizzard and mine barely sags at all. Maybe because of the 35's? I noticed a big difference with new shocks, never thought they would make a noticeable change.

 

would a axle truss prevent the front axle from bending under a heavy plow?

 

I'm sure it would. Don't know if a kit is available or if you would have to custom make one. How about a different, stronger axle?

 

Man, my truck held up fine all winter and we had double the average amount of snow. That 9'2" plow with a Cummins behind it can push A LOT of snow!

 

Yeah, we get a lot of lake effect snow here in PA too. I plow some big lots and have had no problems with anything what so ever.

 

almost all good plow manufacturers have guidelines for the correct plow for the ride in question. they also have charts for ballast weights if required.
if you go bigger that's your call, but when something breaks on the truck, don't blame the plow co. they did the research on proper set ups/weight ratios etc.
as for a axle truss. waste of money. if you need this you are abusing the truck(plowing is abuse enough). save the cash instead for ujoints-bushings etc.
as for springs, i would leave them alone and get some load helper shocks installed up front in place of factory shocks . they have a progressive rate external coil spring so unloaded you have same factory ride, but loaded can increase capacity by 2000#(more, or less,depends on mfr). some are clunky and won't fit inside the coil, but good compact ones will. farm and fleet has a assortment of them

 

We are heavily modifing already stout trucks. You can't fix what ain't broke. Only make it better when it does break!

 

I like my rancho 9000's I turn them up when loaded(or in cali on these sorry roads) and turn them back down when empty.