Hi, I was wondering if anyone has a snowplow on their truck. (3rd generation) I would only be doing maybe 6-7 driveways per storm but I want something that will last. If you have a plow which one did you buy? Did you have to modify (cut) the front bumper and if you have tow hooks did you have to remove them? I researched some online and I think I’d have to cut part of the bumper to install it and take the tow hooks off... which I would rather not do. If you have a photo of the front of the truck without the plow on that would be really appreciated. Thanks, Tony

 

With the waterbed of a front end on these trucks, I don't think I'd entertain putting something that heavy on the already-springy/mushy suspension. JHMO.

 

you would definitely have to beef up the front suspension. We put a plow on our company Tahoe and it pulls the front end way down.

but if its just during the winter, it may be worth it to buy an aftermarket bumper and plow set up. take the plow off, leaving the aftermarket bumper on during the winter and in the summer, put the factory bumper back on.

 

Well I looked at different manufactures websitesand the weight of the plows go from 200 pound all the way to 600 pounds. Some of the manufactures dont even make the heavier plows for "lesser" vehicles so I think our suspension could handle the lighter ones. I guess after I bought one I would figure it out. Idont want to change or modifyanything more thanI have to. (bumper suspension etc). I would only be plowing for friends and family (no $$) so I dont want to go overboard with what I do to the truck. Looking fo photos.

 

I recall our owners manual stating that plowing is not reccommended for the Dakatas...

 

You are correct They dont recommend it in any truck except I think the Ram 3500. I have seen municipalities use new Dakotas for plowing and even the small Rams. I am sure if something broke they would immediately deny warranty coverage. I am only doing personal driveway and a few others.I have seen plenty of rangers old toyotas and even Suziki Samuris with plows! Ihope are trucks are a bitbeefier than those!

 

The ownwers manual says NO! PLOW! The front end sucks now! It just will not handle the job.

 

I think if you buy the lightest plow available and stick to light duty work only I think it can handle it.

 

Don't plow with the dakota unless you like throwing money away for repairs. I drive a ford 350 superduty at work and they use it to plow two small parking lots. The plowing screws up the front end big time even on that big truck. Buy a large snow blower.
Plus I don't think the front suspension could handle a plow even a light one.

 

I have a western personal plow on mine. I had the western dealer put it on. No mods to the truck, Inlessyou look for it, You would,nt even know it as one. Ifeel theplow frame, help stiffen the whole front end up.The truck rides fine with the plow on BUT gas mileage go's down ALOT. Sorry no pics yet, Put I'll be putting the plow on, for some Maybe snow Sat nite. I'll try and remember to take a few pics with my phone.

http://www.suburbaniteplows.com/