Suspension mods for a Snow Plow

[jrjr2u]

Hi,
I have a 1997 Sport and am in the process of installing a snow plow. I know, its not recommended but i'm doing it anyway. I have plowed extensively in the past and know how to operate equipment to have minimal impact and I will only be plowing 2 small driveways.

The plow is a Curtis home pro weighing in at about 450 pounds or so. Its a poly blade. My question is about suspension. I have read about tweaking the torsion bars and how to read the ratings. Havent found out what I have just yet but one question is -

Are there aftermarket torsion bars available in different strengths?

What would the recommendations be for shocks. I was looking at the Rancho 5000 but maybe something else would be better like air shocks or coil overs...... I dont wanna break the bank either. Im sure the front will drop a bit and I want to compensate for that.

Any input is welcomed. Thanks

 

[nitro71]

If you adjust the suspension to compensate for the plow when you take the plow off it will be compensated the other way to much. I don't have any other ideas about plowing.

 

[rileyrs]

id use a rancho adjustable shock.
they sell air bags that fit in the coil, and are adjustable, and not to expensive, so id do these two.
after that you should be set for 500 pounds
and then you will be able to adjust them back to soft when the plow isnt there, and stiff when it is.
good luck!

 

[jrjr2u]

Well my 97 does not have coils, it has torsion bars. Thats why I was thinking about stronger torsion bars. Same ride height but more support. Then, air shocks..... pump them up a bit with plow on and release some air with plow off.... but I dont find them for the front

OR did you mean the bags fit in coils on Rancho shocks?
Are the Ranchos you refer to air shocks? got a link?


This is quite an interesting thread but has no outcome really -

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71967

 

[rileyrs]

sorry was stuck in first gen mode lol.
hmmm torsion bar upgrade, cant think of anywhere to get them, but that deffinately is the way to go, good luck, sorry i couldnt be of more help

 

[jrjr2u]

Well, I tracked down '1' bars. The ford part numbers are -
F67Z-5B326-FA
F67Z-5B326-FB

What a chore it was to replace them though. We had to use an oxy/acetylene torch to heat the seat, a solid steel bar about 3' long, and wail on that bar full swing with a 10 pound fence mall to get them out.

It made all the difference though! Now when I lift the plow the front end only drops 1". I set the adjustment bolts the same as the original bars and it wound up giving me 1" of additional ride height. I wasnt really looking for more ride height, just less drop when the plow was on.

Anyway, I feel it was worth the effort and am now comfortable driving down the road with the plow on. I worried about the old bars snapping which would not be a good thing at all.

I was thinking about installing Timbrens too but for now, I think its good enough. The ride is a bit stiffer, but not really that much. The truck handles good. I may tackle the rear mono springs now, but to plow its not that important unless I need ballast back there.

 

[black99mount]

I have a 99 sohc mountaineer senatrac shocks 189k been usig it for 2 winters now

oh by the way I have a steel western progaurd. So I think you will be good with that plastic toy

 

[sport97]

Just a thought, you may want to get an alignment because changing or adjusting the torsion bars will most likely knock your alignment out of whack. You would hate to trash a set of tires if you didn't do it.

 

[jrjr2u]

oh by the way I have a steel western progaurd. So I think you will be good with that plastic toy

It's a pretty expensive toy!! lol

Just a thought, you may want to get an alignment because changing or adjusting the torsion bars will most likely knock your alignment out of whack. You would hate to trash a set of tires if you didn't do it.

I have considered that... Actually with the plow mount bolted on the truck the ride height is very near original, around 1/2" difference or so. With it off I gained the inch. Will keep an eye on the tires though. Thanks.