Snow plowing?

[raylesk]

I want to pickup an explorer sport to put a small plow on--can I get some advice on wether I should get a first gen or 2nd gen explorer? Which one do you guys think has a stronger front end setup to carry an extra
450#s? I currently have a 94 4dr I use as a daily driver and it seems easier to find a nice 2nd gen than a nice 1st gen sport.

 

[Blee1099]

This question always comes up every year.. The V6 Explorer cannot handle a snow plow. The auto transmission will not hold up.. It will implode on itself from the added weight.

 

[raylesk]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not worried about the trans because it will be a backup truck "just in case" so it might not ever see plowing. And I also have a spare trans waiting. Which front end and frame do you think is stronger?

 

[SteveH - Colo]

I'd think the first gen suspension/design is stouter than the 2nd gen. and more suited to a plow. The lifespan of a plow truck is usually related to how aggressively you plow. Call a plow/hitch place and ask them if any Explorer is even rated to carry a plow of any type.

 

[damarble]

Why not get a truck if it's just for plowing only? You can get 80's and early 90's full sizes for a song these days.

 

[raylesk]

Thanks for the answer Steve--that is what I was thinking--I have 2 full size broncos a 90 and a 94 one I use for parking lots and the other is for driveways. I want to have the explorer as a backup to be used only in an emergency--I have contracts that I am responsible for and can't afford to not get the job done on time.

 

[black99mount]

This question always comes up every year.. The V6 Explorer cannot handle a snow plow. The auto transmission will not hold up.. It will implode on itself from the added weight.

negitive. i have a Western Pro gaurd 7.5' on my 99 mountineer SOHC 6 and its been going strong for 2 years. 175k miles and counting

 

[Flatulentvandal]

This question always comes up every year.. The V6 Explorer cannot handle a snow plow. The auto transmission will not hold up.. It will implode on itself from the added weight.

I plowed for years with a 1991 2 door explorer V6 4X4... It was a great plow.. I had a fisher 6.5' Minute Mount II on it. Total weight was around 450 Lbs.. I would go with the older generation explorer as they have been lightened over the years.. Older = tougher.... Just my 2 cents.

 

[Iron Weasel]

I would go with the older generation explorer as they have been lightened over the years.. Older = tougher.... Just my 2 cents.

The original post is almost 2 years old - I don't think the OP is still following the threda. :scratch:

 

[Glen4X4]

It is still helpful to others who search. My dad had a plow on his 00XLT 4.0 SOHC Auto explorer and did great pushing, and plan to put one on one of my explorer's too.

 

[trailertaskforce]

The OP might not be. But the rest of us are

 

[04sd]

Anyone have pics of the plow mounts on a 1st gen Ex? I want to modify the mount from my '90 BII to fit a '91 Ex frame and would like to see a factory set up if possible. Thanks.

BTW, here's the plow on my BII...

And here's the '91 frame it's going on...