I was wondering what kind of temps you guys are seeing plowing and whether you run the winter front or not. During that large storm a few weeks ago in the norhteast, the engine temp never moved and the tranny temp ran around 155 F. The highest the tranny temp ever saw was 170 and that is when the snow really started to come down and I had to work decently. The heat was coming out nice and toasty for a change.

This was the first "real storm" I ever plowed with a pickup (used to use a backhoe). The Dmax defenitely plows like a champ. :horsey: I was impressed how much and how high a pickup could push snow. This is also riding on the useless factory pizza cutters and only about 600lb of ballast.

I thought these light duty trucks did not have enough front spring to hold a plow. Most of the light duty diesel trucks that I see plowing are practically dragging the plow.

mine handles the plow very nice, with very little squatting. but I have timbren's installed

I don't think GM wants you to put a plow on the ext cab and crew cab diesels. I'm sure it'll void the warranty if something breaks up there. I run a decent ballast in the back and I'm not hauling a shoveling crew so I really don't worry about it. I've read of so many guys on the plow forums that use diesels and there are a number of them driving around locally and I've never heard of any problems.

When I looked at Western plows they refused to install it so I just carried out and did it myself. The truck only drops a couple inches with the plow raised.

I thought these light duty trucks did not have enough front spring to hold a plow. Most of the light duty diesel trucks that I see plowing are practically dragging the plow.
NOT MINE front end only drops 1 in with a 8 1/2 foot Western

You dont need the front cover while plowing. My truck has so much heat I plow with the window open. The more cooling you can get for the trans the better.

I'm not trying to start a war here I just brought it up because of what I have seen and heard lately. Work tried to buy a plow truck and General Motors would not sell us a diesel for plowing. They stated the motor, trans and plow is more than the rating of the front springs. The only way we could get a diesel is by going with the medium duty. I have seen quiet a few Dmax's running plows and they all look squatted. No doubt the motor is the best for the job it's just the saggy front end that GM puts under them.

You dont need the front cover while plowing. My truck has so much heat I plow with the window open. The more cooling you can get for the trans the better.

The more I read the more I start to think something is up with my t-stats. If I am driving unloaded, w/o the cover and it is much under 40F the tranny temp barely comes off 100 and if highway driving then it doesn't even budge. I can clearly feel the heat coming out hotter while climbing decent grades. Prob have the dealer check it out next time I go in.

I wouldn't consider the tranny hot at 170 but maybe I'll try plowing w/o it next time and see what happens. Just curious what other guys are seeing.

Arguy,

There is a difference between what GM and other manufactors want you to do with your truck and what really can be done with your truck. There are many people that run a 8" or bigger blade on a diesel truck even some run wings on there truck plowing.

As far as your tires, well if you plan on doing this as your main job and need a more aggresive tire seriously look at the Cooper Discovery M&S. All the difference when you out there with there...

IF you looking for advice on plowing go on over to chuck's site

http://www.snowplowing-contractors.com/forums/

tons of information over there on many different subjects that will be very helpfull



Pete

Arguy,

There is a difference between what GM and other manufactors want you to do with your truck and what really can be done with your truck. There are many people that run a 8" or bigger blade on a diesel truck even some run wings on there truck plowing.

As far as your tires, well if you plan on doing this as your main job and need a more aggresive tire seriously look at the Cooper Discovery M&S. All the difference when you out there with there...

IF you looking for advice on plowing go on over to chuck's site

http://www.snowplowing-contractors.com/forums/
tons of information over there on many different subjects that will be very helpfull



Pete

You probably mean 8'(foot) not 8"(inches) Manufacturers want you to use their trucks safely. It's all about safety and liability. There are plenty of things you could do with a truck but to do it safely and not endanger others is the key.

Arguy,

It can be done and done safely. Yes I did mean an 8' not ".

Go over th chucks site and do some homework if you do not want to take what I say as gospel

Pete

When I was at the dealer I was told no plw on a CC due to weight, but the ext cab was fine, dealer installed my 8.5 Boss "V". I run 800 lbs in the rear with studded cooper snows. Not a problem. I plow with the heat on full with the window open. tranny around 150 -170, engine below 200. Truck plows like a dream and boy can it push snow with the studs. :grd:

Heres my 05 GMC Dmax/zf with an 8 Foot Blizzard. No timbrens, cranked 4 turns. Also a pic of some stacks i made with it. I never use the winter front when plowing, It always stays warm with the blade on.http://dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1227&stc=1

I thought these light duty trucks did not have enough front spring to hold a plow. Most of the light duty diesel trucks that I see plowing are practically dragging the plow.I got mine with the snow plow prep package. Why would they offer it on a diesel if not possible to plow?
I push a 7.5' Curtis SnoPro 3000. Moves snow like it ain't even there.
Snow Plow Prep Package:
Snow Plow Prep Package, includes 10-amp power for backup and roof emergency light, 145-amp alternator, high-flow front bumper, forward lamp wiring harness, 1.65" (42 mm) access hole with grommet in front of dash panel, instrument panel jumper wiring harness for electric trailer brake controller, (K47) Air cleaner, high capacity and (NZZ) Skid Plate Package