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Plowing With A 1/2 Ton

gmyeah

By gmyeah
in Garage, Shop & Tools

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gmyeah Enthusiast

gmyeah

Posted
Posted

Any thoughts on plowing with a 2008 1/2 ton Z71 ext cab pickup? generally i would always use a 3/4, but after this truck has a few yrs on it.....could it accomodate a plow for just doing a few driveways a year. i don't plow for a living so it wouldn't get used/abused. I have plowed for several years......it's just always been with a HD truck. thoughts on this? if i outfit it with a plow, i assume there will have to be a suspension change, etc. Like I mentioned earlier, the previous trucks i've used have been 3/4 ton and have come with the snow plow package....so the choice to do some plowing was easy. just not sure with the 1/2 ton mentioned above. Thanks for the info in advance!

sonjaab Senior Enthusiast

sonjaab

Posted
Posted

I see no issues with plowing with it. As long as it has certain options like HD suspension and /or the trailer tow pkg options.

 

Since you have the z-71 pkg. you should have this covered already but do check for the aux. trans cooler.

 

A plow that is 8 ft. or smaller will work fine.

 

Just note that IF you do NOT have the VYU plow prep option and have any warranty issues the dealer may deny warranty work.

 

I had several 1/2 ton plow rigs before I went 3/4 tons because of warranty issues. But you should be fine!

jerseydrew Enthusiast

jerseydrew

Posted
Posted

there are several options for the new 1/2 tons, most are 7.5 foot. i have the newer Western HTS and will tell you the sag is only about 1.5 inches. the only problem with that was the Western receivers really hang down far. so i just installed an RC 2" level kit and it is now perfect. i now have 7 inches from the bottom of the receiver to the ground. just pick one made for a half ton and use the recommended ballast and it will be fine. MANY people use 1500's, just watch the trans temp and make sure you fully stop and let the opposite gear fully engage before moving and you should have no issues.

 

the only 1500 with the VYU plow prep package was the regular cab one. so you definitely don't have that since you say you have an extended cab. warranty might be an issue but if you are careful and diligent with your maintenance that should be no issue anyway.

 

here is a pic of my truck with fresh plow install before i put the level kit on it just to give you an idea.

 

40853_143258862373218_100000673149552_267349_3424055_n.jpg

Kodiak450 Senior Enthusiast

Kodiak450

Posted
Posted

7.5 tops for a 1/2 ton, an 8ft blade is much too heavy for a 1/2 ton, unless you don't care about the truck. I'm not even a fan of a 3/4 ton truck with standard set up using an 8ft blade, thats why I added more suspension to it. Your truck should be able to drive the posted speed limit with plow on, and not bottom out when there is a dip in the road cause of the front end weight. Get yourself a set of timbrens for the front.

slopez2500 Enthusiast

slopez2500

Posted
Posted

my dads truck is a 2002 1500. no suspension upgrades, nothing haha. it handles the 7.5 fisher mm1 with no problem. he has run the 8 foot on it, but i dont recomend. i have a 2500 with a 7.5 and a heavy ass back drag blade. no problems on my end. his does drop the front end down a bit, but he still has no ploblems plowing for the city26525_423194397039_585872039_5783924_5150947_n.jpg

  • 2 months later...
DeppvomDienst Enthusiast

DeppvomDienst

Posted
Posted

On this same topic let me ask you guys what you think of a 2WD 1974 C-10 1/2 ton with a 350/4 speed manual saginaw and 3.73 NON-POSI as a plow truck. I figure I need a set of chains for the rear and some weight in the back.

 

I am only looking to do my own approximately150 foot long driveway since neighbor can't plow for me anymore. I did just rebuild the front end on this truck last year and hope that plowing will not ruin that. What do you think? Will I be ok with a 7 or 7.5 plow? It is a rough recycled asphalt driveway. I have never done any plowing but my neighbor could teach me.

 

Thanks,

Depp

jro909 Senior Enthusiast

jro909

Posted
Posted
On this same topic let me ask you guys what you think of a 2WD 1974 C-10 1/2 ton with a 350/4 speed manual saginaw and 3.73 NON-POSI as a plow truck. I figure I need a set of chains for the rear and some weight in the back.

 

I am only looking to do my own approximately150 foot long driveway since neighbor can't plow for me anymore. I did just rebuild the front end on this truck last year and hope that plowing will not ruin that. What do you think? Will I be ok with a 7 or 7.5 plow? It is a rough recycled asphalt driveway. I have never done any plowing but my neighbor could teach me.

 

Thanks,

Depp

 

you my hit a snag, the ass end of the truck is going to want to go sideways when you starting pushing into a snow pile..let alone thats a classic truck man, take a grand and go get a beater 4x4 with a plow on it :thumbs:

sonjaab Senior Enthusiast

sonjaab

Posted
Posted

2wd pickup to plow with? .................NO!

 

The biggest issue is gonna be FINDING a plow set up that will FIT without big bucks

spent and major modifications to either the truck or any plow rig you may find.

 

Not to say it ain't been done as you see big kodiak/topkick 5500/6500 2wds all

the time with a plow and a BIG body mounted sander plowing road and

parking lots.

 

Heck a old guy out in my area has a older 2wd f-250 with plow. The box is off

and it has a homemade flatbed and the guy loads it with big steel plates for

traction.....................

10elawncare Enthusiast

10elawncare

Posted
Posted

They do make poly plows too, that's always an option for you. Most any 7'6" plow would work on a 1500, I would install timbrens or airbags for a better ride. A sub-contractor of mine has a Dodge 1500 and put a Western 7'6 on there with 0 suspension mods. And as most know... dodge suspensions suck!

sonjaab Senior Enthusiast

sonjaab

Posted
Posted

Forget the Poly plows if your lookin' for a lighter plow set up.

MANY brand poly plows weigh MORE that their steel counterparts !!!!!!!!!

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