Meyer plow swap from 02 F-150 7700 to 2016 RAM 1500

[Fordiesel69]

This is probably a terrible idea but thought to ask anyways.

2002 F150 - 7700 GVRW package, 50K miles, 5.4L V8 overall driveline is near mint mechanically but has severe internal rot. Core support, frame, a arms, and cab mounts.

2016 RAM 1500 Tradesman - 200k, 3.6L V6, good overall mechanically, aside from rockers and fenders the body, floor, frame, and bed is mint. It is a lighter duty truck, and has electric power steering.

Was curious if there was a way to install a ram 1500 specific bracket, upgrade the front springs and alternator and swap the plow over. Would the truck be able to handle it for personal use (never commerical plowing)

 

[D60]

I'm not sure the Ram is necessary any lighter duty than the bubble body, 7700# package or not.

You've already got 200k on the Ram, I'd go for it if you're willing.

I don't know about spring upgrades up front but presumably the crew cab Hemis ran a heavier spring? Or you could just do leveling spacers to offset the sag when loaded.

I have no idea how the electric rack will do??

Basically I'm no help but to encourage you to go for it. Please post any follow-ups!

 

[Fordiesel69]

So the only way I can do this is if meyer offers a bracket. I cannot weld or fabricate metal, that is my weak skill set. The moldboard on existing meyer plow is metal. I may have to cut it off and put the composite version on. This i know how to do as I had to re-skin other meyer plows.

As for the power steering, would two batteries, plus one of those big audio subwoofer capacitors wired into the electric steering prevent the codes from happening. I guess any time a motor starts and stops it will set a code in the steering module.

My concerns:
-The tranny may fail from the added stress of plowing.
-The 845RE 8SPD in the V6 model is known to break the ears off the torque converter when pulling trailers. Snow blowing is probably just as abusive, then maybe not. Who knows.
-Upgrading the alternator to duals is very hard, if not impossible as there is no way to program the PCM to see two.
-I wonder if I can swap out the standard output alternator and install a high output model without reprogramming.
-Would I need two batteries?
-Would the electric rack be able to work with the extra front end weight?

 

[emmett442]

Yours would not be the only RAM on the planet doing plow duty. They are everywhere, and holding up just fine. It's not like the E40D or 4R70 in your Ford is the pinnacle of durability either.

As far as adapting the plow, buy the correct one if you don't have the fab skills.

 

[Fordiesel69]

That is good to know. I truly have seen lots of 2500;s but no 1500's in my area. I would be buying the bracket from meyer if they make one.

 

[meep]

Which vehicle is heavier? That will be an advantage. Both will probably see increased ball joint wear. Both will see a lot of force on front drive axle. Ford gets some complaints for the plastic slip rings which engage the hubs - I believe there are metal upgrades. You could probably work with the stock alternator for a while, you said this wouldn’t be for commercial use. 600 pounds in the front of the bed won’t hurt for stabilizing the vehicle some.

If you watch experienced plow drivers, it’s all ice ballet and it’s clear they know the dance with the truck. There moves simply flow. They don’t bang the plow into the curb they can’t see. But to get there, they have probably stuffed the plow many times. The learning curve is where frame damage probably sets in. Frequent slipping while transitioning the transmission is probably another thing.

 

[D60]

Which vehicle is heavier? That will be an advantage. Both will probably see increased ball joint wear. Both will see a lot of force on front drive axle. Ford gets some complaints for the plastic slip rings which engage the hubs - I believe there are metal upgrades. You could probably work with the stock alternator for a while, you said this wouldn’t be for commercial use. 600 pounds in the front of the bed won’t hurt for stabilizing the vehicle some.

If you watch experienced plow drivers, it’s all ice ballet and it’s clear they know the dance with the truck. There moves simply flow. They don’t bang the plow into the curb they can’t see. But to get there, they have probably stuffed the plow many times. The learning curve is where frame damage probably sets in. Frequent slipping while transitioning the transmission is probably another thing.

His bubble body used a fork to slide the CAD. '04 went to IWEs

I repaired an '03 fork by machining new brass ears ‐- it was super trick! But Dorman (I just threw up in my mouth a little) offers one