Plowing With 1500

CRU1966 · October 18, 2011

ok, I have read some posts on this but there doesn't seem to be a clear yes or no answer to this so if you have a Silverado 1500 and plow with it I'd like to hear from you.

I have a 2001 Silverado 1500 Ext. Cab 4x4 (not Z71) and am looking to plow my driveway (200 ft or so) and possibly a few other driveways or a small lot to make some money. I was looking at getting a SnowDogg HD75 plow since it's only $400 more than the MD75 but then I read you really need the "Snow Prep Package" for the HD75 and my truck doesn't have it.

Will the HD75 work on my truck ok without the "Snow Prep Package" (VYU code) or is it just to much for my truck? We typically get 3-4 foot snow drifts, so I thought the HD75 would be better since it's bigger.

I've also read that I should install Timbern SES to help the lift with the plow. Has anyone used Firestone's Work-Rite instead of Timbern? Work-Rite look similar but are a bit cheaper in price.

Craig

FargoZ71 · October 18, 2011

I would be interested in this post to follow as well.. that snowdogg at 680 lbs.. is quiet a bit extra for our 1/2 tons.. wouldn't be surprised if SES's and cranking the Tbars wouldn't be necessary. I'm already looking for a 3/4-1ton cc/sb 03-07 with either 6.0 or a Dmax for plowing.

Western has it's HTS.. weighs 240lbs less.. and thicker cutting edge.. another viable option for you.

csheatz · October 18, 2011

Alright, neighbor has a 2003 z-71 with a light weight westin plow he has tbars cranked all the way up, 285/75-16's and its not bad. I have a 4x4 quad with plow, other neighbor has a garden tractor with a cab and blower. We all have 200+ ft driveways and we all agree that the tractor with blower is the way to go! I would never believe the amount of snow that thing will move if i didnt see it.

I have rode around while he plowed my drive way with the z-71, didnt seem to have any issues. His DID NOT come with a snowplow prep package. I can tell you this, I have plowed with everything from a 6cly jeep wrangler, my quad, k5 blazer with 400sb, k5 with 305sb, 2500 chevy eclb with the 8.1, and if you just take it easy and dont beat on the truck it will do just fine. I was also told a long time ago by my grandpa and have followed this rule. "If the plow is on the ground the trucks is 4 low"

FargoZ71 · October 19, 2011

Obviously the front end components are going to wear out alot faster.. but whatever.. it's either making it easier on you, or making you money.. my question is.. How well is a 4L60E trans going to take to pushing a plow, my truck pulls just fine.. I'm just curious as to how they hold up under plowing, anyone here use a 1500 and have issues with there trans?

lineman · October 19, 2011

I wouldnt think that it would be good on the truck at all. If the truck was my daily driver there is no way in hell that i would use it for a snow plow. Go buy yourself a old 3/4 ton truck or something to plow with. We dont get alot of snow around here but i know a few guys that are getting away from using plows and building a plow for there bobcats cause it was to hard on trucks.

geereed · October 27, 2011

http://www.plowsite.com/showthread.php?t=51326

00Silverado4x4 · October 27, 2011

I'm in the military & was stationed in Alaska for 4 years. One of my shops used a 2004 Chevy 1500 for plowing & it's wasn't the weight of pushing, it was the constant forward & backward shifting that kept breaking the trans. The 4L60e just doesn't like to be gear shifting constantly apparently. After a couple of years they were beefed up to 3500, no problems. So as was earlier stated, if your daily driver, wouldn't chance it. Also stated earlier, pick up an old 3/4 or 1 ton & beat of that instead. If not stay to a smaller/lighter plow, go slow, make extra passes & don't slam gears (no trans likes that.)

Kodiak450 · October 28, 2011

Most importantly, if you smell your trans fluid while plowing (which usually is a burnt smell) get it changed asap. Also have the diff's changed. I recomend bringing it to a shop that has the flushing machine. After the change you will notice no more smell while plowing which means your trans is now healthy again.

sonjaab · October 30, 2011

Heres one of the fellas that just had a Fisher plow installed on

his 02 1500:

http://www.letstalksnow.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28487

Don't worry about the timbrens..............Ballast is the key!

FargoZ71 · November 1, 2011

Eh both would be good, Question for Ballast.. put it as close to the tailgate as possible? and what are you guys using for Ballast?

stingraydave · November 2, 2011

ok, I have read some posts on this but there doesn't seem to be a clear yes or no answer to this so if you have a Silverado 1500 and plow with it I'd like to hear from you.

I have a 2001 Silverado 1500 Ext. Cab 4x4 (not Z71) and am looking to plow my driveway (200 ft or so) and possibly a few other driveways or a small lot to make some money. I was looking at getting a SnowDogg HD75 plow since it's only $400 more than the MD75 but then I read you really need the "Snow Prep Package" for the HD75 and my truck doesn't have it.

Will the HD75 work on my truck ok without the "Snow Prep Package" (VYU code) or is it just to much for my truck? We typically get 3-4 foot snow drifts, so I thought the HD75 would be better since it's bigger.

I've also read that I should install Timbern SES to help the lift with the plow. Has anyone used Firestone's Work-Rite instead of Timbern? Work-Rite look similar but are a bit cheaper in price.

Craig

You all don't hear from me much but here's my .02.

I don't know if I would use the 1500 to make heavy money but a little on the side won't hurt if your easy. It would pay for the gas to do your own and more for sure. I've had two 1500s that I plowed with. 1st one was an '01 GMC Ext Cab Z71 that plowed small logging roads most of it's life until I got it. While I had it I used it to plow 4 driveways. At 120k I changed the front wheel bearings and at 175K I had to change out the X-Fer case. But at 175,000 miles having plowed a good portion of its life I don't think that was un-acceptable. I finally sold that truck at 193k miles and mechanically it was fine - just rusty. I now have an '06 Chevy Z71 - same truck I had before essentially and I plow with it too - same driveways - I just go easy. I plow with a 7' 1st gen Minute Mount and my blade has the steel curled snow deflector. Not exactly light. At 94k I've never done anything to the front end to beef it up. Still all original. Still rides good and works good. Three pieces of advice I can give is to never use the Auto 4wd to plow with if you have it, go easy and keep up with the front end maintenance. If you're going to try to make a bunch of money you'll be better off with a 3/4ton. I've had good luck though. I love my chevy.

Z45 · November 2, 2011

We get 200+ inches of snow annually. There are literally 100's of 1500 series truck running around here with plows. Matter of fact the local insurance agent just went around my block with his 2010 1500 with the western plow on for the season. Dealers are selling them everyday up here. I know the local Boss and Western Dealer and he told me a few years back that the majority of plows he installs go on 1500 4x4's, of all makes. Friend been plowing with his 1996 Chevy EC since it was new, he both plows for his repair shop and does side jobs as well keeps the local post office plowed out. When the truck was new he put in AMSOIL synthetic ATF and he is still going, no trans problems or anything related to plowing.

bwlaqua · November 3, 2011

the amsoil is the way to go with all lubricating. i use it in my tranny, engine oil. and diff. it makes a world of diff.

FargoZ71 · November 3, 2011

So Hen, can you chime in on how much Ballast for a 1500.. and how much ballast you usually use on a 2500.. and where do you distribute the weight?

Kodiak450 · November 4, 2011

The ballast I use would cause a 1500 to drag it's ass on the ground.

My minium ballast that is recommended from western is 450 lbs. And the timbrens not only prevent the weight of the blade from bottoming out when you are on bumpy or uneven pavement, but help preserve your ball joints from crapping out. Do you really need timbrens on a 2500HD? NO. But I would recomend it using an 8ft blade or longer. On a 1500? I would use double the timbrens if possible on each side. Plowing beats on the trucks alot, whether you are easy on it or not. You are putting a 1500 through alot of stress. It might not look like it, but if a 1500 truck could talk you would hear an earfull. There is a reason why 2500HD's are built the way they are. If you use a 7.5 blade on a 1500, it could support it, but you still are putting the truck through alot of stress. The frame, trans, ball joints, engine, ect. If just doing your own driveway, then I wouldn't be as concerned. Do many driveways and I would be very concerned.