Snow Plows

[Porcupine]

I have a 2003 Ford Explorer 4x4/AWD Hi&Lo 4.6 V8 auto.
Obviously the manual suggests "NOT to use this vehicle as a snow plow".

We see many various pickup trucks used for snow plows, but what about SUVs?
Jeeps and the old International Scouts were used as plows but what about Jimmys and Explorers? And, if we're not supposed to, WHY?

I figured with a good frame, 4x4 abilities and all the other features it would be a good bet.

[danny]

good question. the problem with fords is the auto transmissions in the explorers are more passenger car like than truck like. history shows that the transmissions in explorers in heavy use require early repair or rebuilding. rebuilding or replacement around 70k is not unusual.

[Porcupine]

Thanks danny
Funny you should mention that because i did have some "minor" issues with my tranny prior.
It went through this funky shifting pattern. I heard froma few people that it was due to my manual upshifting with an auto matic. Someone suggested that my computer was learning my habits. Mix that with factory specs and it got confused. Even during regular take-offs it did some funky stuff.

So maybe for snow plowing that's out of the question.

[justen]

You probably could put a snow plow on it and plow shallow snow with it. I would plow snow a few times instead of one time where you have several inches. But I'm pretty sure the front will need some air springs to carry a snow plow blade. I have them on my diesel. Thats kind of the reason I wished gm you could order a straight axle or independent front suspension. I would have ordered a straight axle in a heartbeat because they can carry the weight better and they plow snow better. But I think if you could find a light snow plow and get a set of air springs. And plow shallow snow. I think you would be ok. It wouldn't be as hard on the transmission. If you were to use Low 4wd all the time. I think then you would wreck something.

[twisted willys]

Yeh, it's not a good idea.