my buddies are trying to convince to get a plow for the winter because it would pay itself off pretty fast and would end up with a lot of extra mod money. my question is how would the truck drive with a plow and high stall torque converter? i know a lot of you don't have to deal with snow, but i like the idea of having extra mod money, so input is greatly appreciated!

 

Yikes! I know that there are converters out there that allow you to retain your stock towing capability but, plowing is a little harder on the trans. I think.

IF your planning on doing this I would put on a big transmission cooler with an electric fan that you can toggle on/off. If you don't already have a trans temp guage that would be a good idea to keep an eye on fluid temp. Definately try to keep it under 200 degrees. I saw a chart one time about what the best temp. was but, can't remember now. I think 180 would be a decent temp to shoot for.

Of course it will be cold out if your plowing <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> but, a high stall converter can heat things up in a hurry.

What size stall do you have/want?

John

 

thanks for the reply. i finally cleared enough room on my credit card to get a converter. i wanted to go with the yank 3000. i just ordered a trans cooler (10"x15"x3/4"). should i hold off till winter is over? that extra cash keeps jumpin into mind!

 

I think the hardest part of plowing snow is the constant change in direction. The cooler may help, though it is winter and nice and cool out. Mostly, how you apply power will determine tranny life. Try not to give throttle until you've come to a stop, yada yada

 

as another technician you should know how VERY hard plows are on trucks even without any mods. among other things that may/will fail is the ball joints (from the extra weight) transfer case (if it is the auto4wd) due to the fact that there is no solid link such as a chain or gear (only the clutch pack ) or transmission from the constant drive to rev shifting. also GM and many aftermarket waranty companys will deny or adjust the policy to a fleet service contract with a MUCH higher deductible. and what are plows selling for in your area? around my town plow setups are selling for 3k or more.

 

yeah, i know adding a plow would be a severe beating. i worked for GM for a brief period and saw how often ball joints would go out on the older trucks (>'98) especially the S-series, not to mention idler and pitman arms. i don't have auto 4x4 and wasn't aware of their transfer case set up. i'm pretty sure the truck can handle a plow, i think i'd just need to up-grade my torsion bars. these trucks are a lot tougher than you seem to want to give credit for. about the price on plows, they're anywhere from $2,500 on up to about $5,000. i've pretty much given up on the idea since i don't have anything else to drive which would mean, where ever i go, the plow's comin' with. i was just curious to see if anyone has tried this and what were the opinions on it. i'd need to get me a beater truck for this. oh well, maybe next year.