CV joints vs U joints for front axle of plow truck

[LD1]

My interest in a plow truck if desired would be more in a 3/4 ton for more weight and better for the job of heavier plowing. Theres many half tons that are made well for the job of plowing snow but a 3/4 ton of the same style truck can do it better and safer

I am not a believer in that. At least the better and safer part.

There is only a few hundred pounds difference in an 1/2 ad 3/4 ton. So both would have nearly the same pushing force. So not any better IMO.

AS to safer, I am not sure what would make a 3/4 ton safer to plow with. It "might" have a bit larger brakes, but not really an issue when on snow and ice and you are either skidding, or the ABS is working. So stopping power becomes a function of weight and traction, not the brakes.

BUT....what a 3/4 ton gets you is the ability to put a heavier plow on, and the ability to ballast the rear significantly more. Which in turn will make it push better. But I rarely see anyone other than myself with weight in the bed unless they are running salt or a 2wd.

AS to the strength difference between the IFS vs solid front, I dont think there is an appreciable difference in the fact that I have never seen either one break for the fact that it was too weak. And never seen one break where the other style axle would have fared much better.

Each style has pros and cons. (strength not one of them). But these pros and cons are minor for everyday use of a truck. IF you have a specific use for a truck that would make one configuration better, then it may be a deciding factor in choosing a truck, But usually there are other more important factors in the decision making process.

 

[diesel lover]

Thanks for the reply. I was mostly referring to being able to ballast out the bed more for better traction, and installing a heavier or larger blade than a half ton. I have found it odd that some people that plow snow complain about traction on the rear tires but never add weight to the rear of the truck. Weight on the rear tires is everything when adding a heavy plow to the front of a truck.

 

[LD1]

Weight on the rear tires is everything when adding a heavy plow to the front of a truck.

Yep, I plow with alot of guys that just dont understand something that simple. Most are quite amazed at how much I push (and usually in 2wd). I only use 4wd when I have to. Easier on the front end when turning. No bucking.

My 2003 chevy, I had a 7.5' plow+wings. And loaded the bed with ~1000#.

My current 05 dodge 3500 and 8.5' plow+wings... I put two barrels filled with concrete (~2000#) right against the tailgate and secure them. It does better in 2wd than the chevy did in 4wd.

The chevy + plow + 1000# was maybe 7000# total.

The dodge + plow + 2000# is closer to 11k. It helps to start with a truck that weighs 8k empty:thumbsup: But the thing is an absolute beast in the snow.

 

[diesel lover]

I don't generally get it either. They buy a plow and expect to get lots of traction but don't. They think its tires, they need a locked rear diffrerential, or a limited slip hmm maybe duals. Nothing on the rear will change and get better traction without additional weight in the back of the truck.

 

[LD1]

I don't generally get it either. They buy a plow and expect to get lots of traction but don't. They think its tires, they need a locked rear diffrerential, or a limited slip hmm maybe duals. Nothing on the rear will change and get better traction without additional weight in the back of the truck.

Yep. I got 1/2 wore tires and an open diff. Will still out push something with new snow tires and locking diff if they aint got any weight back there.