What front end parts would you inspect/change before adding a plow

yukon25008.1 · November 6, 2012

For my 05 sierra 3500 with 112,000 miles im concerend with the front end before the plow goes on.. im the 2nd owner, and the first guy had it stock as far as lift and tires...And shows that it was taken care of, Im just concerned with parts that wear before the plow..like the hubs/wheel bearings, tie rods, ball joints, etc... What can i do to make sure the front is strong and not loose and worn. Thanks

yukon25008.1 · November 6, 2012

Another question is.. my 05 sierra 6.0/4l85e truck had no steering shock...

this 3500 does, should i change that, it looks stock.

scooby5121 · November 6, 2012

Hi, on out plow truck we added a rubber bottom out block that sat inside the front coil. So when loaded with the plow the front end sat on the block(Cone Shape)

Disconnected the front had normal suspension. Just a thought if you had coils.

Scooby

8.1HD/ALLISON · November 6, 2012

Just give the front end a good check. Ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman and idler arms, hubs. Shocks, tires, fluids, etc. Fix anything loose. Also check battery and alternator. Plows put a good load on trucks.

00Silverado4x4 · November 7, 2012

I agree with Matt. I'd have the entire front end checked out and repaired. Plow will definitely work those parts.

sillywillie07 · November 8, 2012

C/k front end, and check your z-hieght adjustment. Not sure spec for your truck. If you want more support for it add a set of timbrens. Keep the front end greased.

sonjaab · November 8, 2012

Your truck should have t-bars not coils no?

Look on the rpo sheet for the code VYU. That is snow plow prep.

The truck will have the heavier parts and power connections for a plow.

As far as the Timbrens I don't think they do much more than the stock pinion

snubbers. Note the GM stock snubbers ride touching like the Timbrens do.

You could always give the t-bar adj. bolts a few twists to raise the front of the

truck up a bit................

(turn them clockwise to raise- always remember to jack up the front of the truck

when adjusting to relieve stress on the t-bars or you could snap off the adjuster bolt!)

Again BALLAST in the truck bed is the KEY to added front end height with plow mounted

in these lo-rider IFS trucks!

A close inspection of all front end parts is always wise but I see no need to go crazy

throwing un-necessary new parts at it. Worn parts...........YES.

dewfpo · November 8, 2012

I agree, ballast in the bed will help immensely with traction while plowing and lower the back end of the truck a bit. 800-1000 lbs, really helps in steep hills when plowing. Not to mention really good snow/ice tires. Not Mud Terrains or A/T's.

DEWFPO