plow???

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completetech
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plow???

Post by completetech »

I have a 99 Astro AWD and was think of trying to get a plow for it. is this even a good idea? and any ideas on where to start as far as what type of plow and so on would even fit...

LiftedAWDAstro
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Re: plow???

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

The only manufacturer who makes a mount is Snowbear. I had one on the SPB for 9 years and Lockdoc has had it since 2008. Dunedog runs one on his 99 AWD and plows his apartments out with it. They don't show a mount but I know they used to make them at least.

The other option is to build a custom mount and install a 7' - 7.5' full-size plow. Here is a Meyer plow installed on a 94 AWD.

The biggest thing to watch is transmission temps. Install a MONSTER cooler and you'll be ok.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Topic author
completetech
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Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 2:39 pm
Location: Grand Rapids MI
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Re: plow???

Post by completetech »

Thanks for the leads...... however I just called snowbear and they gave me a part # but when I asked if it was in stock. The rep checked and informed me they no longer make it. And no rear plow mount either... :(

Back to the drawing board...

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Re: plow???

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

SnowSport makes a rear mount plow...

Snowman also makes a rear hitch mount plow...
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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dunedog
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Re: plow???

Post by dunedog »

Having a mount made should not be ruled out.
If you go the snowbear route, I would be glad to help with pics or measurements.
One of the other things you really need to consider is a lift.
Without at least a 2" lift you don't have enough freeplay to angle the plow when it is in a raised position without further fabrication.
As far as the van having enough ....shall we say,"Balls" that is not a problem, but having previous plowing experience does help.
These plows are not HD and you could damage it or the van if you are not somewhat careful.
What are the particulars of your plowing wants?
1999 LS AWD 3" Lift,4.10's,Snowplow,9500lb Ramsey winch

Topic author
completetech
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Re: plow???

Post by completetech »

well the making of a plow mount would for sure be ideal. except I am not that handy of a guy to do that. and of course around here it would cost a arm and a leg.

as far as needs for the plow. I would like to do my driveway and some light commercial plowing. I currently do some driveways during the winter around here, but using a two stage blower is getting to be a little time consuming to do it and not really getting to be worth it.

I would like to get something that is easy to use and easy to install/ remove when not in use during the summer.
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dunedog
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Re: plow???

Post by dunedog »

Once you go "charging" you will need insurance...... and don't even think of plowing others without it! =;
Just a word to the wise.
1999 LS AWD 3" Lift,4.10's,Snowplow,9500lb Ramsey winch
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1Gary
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Re: plow???

Post by 1Gary »

dunedog wrote:Once you go "charging" you will need insurance...... and don't even think of plowing others without it! =;
Just a word to the wise.

Times two from here!!!.

You know-if you where to consider buying a used trusty rusty 4 x 4 plow pick-up.........then you could just leave the van nice as it is.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY

Topic author
completetech
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 129
Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 2:39 pm
Location: Grand Rapids MI
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Re: plow???

Post by completetech »

amen to that!

I just heard about this from one of the Snowman reps.

thehomeplow.com

any thoughts?


but I am still with the meyer plow at about $3k, a little much to through on a $900 work van....maybe its just the Dave Ramsey in me I guess.

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: plow???

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

If you can get or make a receiver mount for the front, then It would work great!
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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