Plowing with a Wrangler

BWhite · Feb 20, 2010

I am considering a back up vehicle . Need something I can flat tow behind motorhome ,run around town and back up plow vehicle Are Wranglers really sturdy enough to plow with ? i.e. drivetrain , front end, electrical system . The only helpful option I see at least on news ones is an optional 3.73 ratio .
Thanks!

BWhite · Feb 21, 2010

Did some research ............ The answer is a big NO even with a feather weight plow !!!!!!

Snoworks · Feb 21, 2010

B White: I don't know what you are plowing, residential or commercial accounts, but I would not say that the wrangler is not plow worthy. I have had three Wrangler Sports all with front and rear plows on them. They are hands down, my favorite plow trucks I have ever operated. Even over my loaded 7.4 liter Sierra's, I like plowing with the Wranglers better.

Over the years, I have blown three transmissions, one because it was a shoddy job the first time around. 3 tranny's in 15 combined years of plowing with them, is not a bad record, IMO.

I set each truck up with proper suspension upgrades, etc. 6'6 Western Standard plows on the front 84" plows on the rear. I have plowed large lots(7 acre's) with 4" of snow on the ground and they have handled them when asked too. I do all residential plowing now, and will state this, you can't beat a jeep with a front and rear plow for residentials, period. If your jeep is a back up truck for some small commercial accounts, would I hesitate using it, no way. If all you do is large, wide open lots, the jeep would not make the best choice.

Just my two cents worth.

Chuck B.

BWhite · Feb 21, 2010

I specialize in driveways . I understand the small size advantage . I spent some time in Jeep forums and read constantly that they are not up for plowing except if your doing your driveway .

MCV · Feb 21, 2010

You've been around a long time, BWhite; don't you recall Fred's Wrangler with a modified SpeedWing?

BWhite · Feb 21, 2010

MCV said:
You've been around a long time, BWhite; don't you recall Fred's Wrangler with a modified SpeedWing?

I dont remember it , Wranglers had never interested me as an option . So I dont think I read it .

jbutch83 · Feb 21, 2010

MCV said:
You've been around a long time, BWhite; don't you recall Fred's Wrangler with a modified SpeedWing?

I'll second that! I have used a friends Wrangler, it had a 4 banger and a crap Meyer plow that was slower than all get out, and it still did a great job, and this was with a stick tranny too. Get the bigger motor, auto trans, and you will be fine for years with one. I would love to get one to plow with, but I have spend way too much money lately to justify the purchase.

BWhite · Feb 21, 2010

I reviewed Freds thread . Looks like it will work with some mods .

04SUPERDUTY · Feb 21, 2010

a guy plows the small local hospice home with a older wrangler, square headlights i believe. it does a great job on the very little curved driveway, its so small my truck would probably barely fit on it without my plow. he has been doing it, and the 2 other locations for at least 6 years now and has had very little issues with his jeep. it does look funny with a plow hanging way off the front, makes the jeep look 10 feet long instead of 5.

Mark Oomkes · Feb 21, 2010

How old are you looking Bill?

I have a '95 that has plowed mainly sidewalks but has done a few smaller lots. No real upgrades other than Bilsteins and Timbrens. Some framework over the last year or so, but it's close to 130K now. 6'6" Western, at least 500#'s of bagged product, jumping curbs every time it goes out.

Not sure what years the guys on the Jeep forums are talking about, but sounds like they're not too bright.

BWhite · Feb 21, 2010

I am thinking 2000-2004 . Unless it better to go older ? The info I read from the Jeepers was talking about late 90s . They talked about frame and auto tranny issues mostly

Mark Oomkes said:
How old are you looking Bill?

I have a '95 that has plowed mainly sidewalks but has done a few smaller lots. No real upgrades other than Bilsteins and Timbrens. Some framework over the last year or so, but it's close to 130K now. 6'6" Western, at least 500#'s of bagged product, jumping curbs every time it goes out.

Not sure what years the guys on the Jeep forums are talking about, but sounds like they're not too bright.

Snoworks · Feb 21, 2010

B White

My year Wranglers: 1999, 2001 and 2003 All Jeep sports(4.0) hard tops. Good shocks and timberens and your good to go!

I will be buying two new ones for next year. I have wanted to upgrade to the Rubicon package, but always thought it was a steep price to pay, roughly $6,000 or more than the Sport or X. But if your worried about performance and ruggedness the Ruby is your Jeep.

I say give a Wrangler a shot. I have been in 24" storms with these Jeeps and they won me over for sure. I will say that after 89k on my 2001(I use if for personal use), that the truck has lost a little power over the years, but still does the job well. But if you buy one new or used with low miles, you will be shocked at how much snow it will push and drag!

Chuck B.

Pickering Snow · Feb 21, 2010

Huh i thought you were just trying to get a rise out of me:wink, i think i would go buy some cheap porn and read it before the Jeep fourm you have read at least there will be some wood in the end...:wink

I have owned three TJs 97-06 two were 4 banger 2.5s with 410 gears that plowed condos full time. My 02 i built in 06 is still plowing along with its 7'6 speedwing has for setups yup my 02 is built above a Rubicon in chassis however i did it mostly because i would run a plow the same size has you run on your Dodge full size..has do many other trucks.

My other two i did zero mods to other than timbrens with 6'6 plows .

Has for 90s jeeps a full leaf spring YJ is better than a TJ imo for modding the only thing about a TJ is its interior is improved with more user friendly dash and cockpit, its also more agile with its coil springs but when lifting and modding cost way more to do than a YJ.

About engines if you get a 4.0 then you get stuck without 410 gears which is why the 2.5 4 cylinder wrangler doesnt need alot of engine because it came stock with 410s.

In the world of offroading and i have built a few :wink horsepower means nothing in the woods if you dont have gears to back it up.

I havent the slightest clue how much i have invested in project wrangler my 02 stopped counting in the high teens, however i was determined to make it a commerial plow vech which it is, with a full air lock rear , 410 gears, Rock crawler suspen, 6speed lenco trans , Warn bumpers , Warn 9k powerplant winch and air compressor, Hand built Scotch blocks we use it for the towing buss has well for offroad recovery. Between plowing since 06, and offroad recoverys for the towing buss my little wrangler doesnt owe me a dime.

A few pics i threw in one for the short chain gang :wink

CGSI · Feb 21, 2010

Pickering Snow said:
Huh i thought you were just trying to get a rise out of me:wink, i think i would go buy some cheap porn and read it before the Jeep fourm you have read at least there will be some wood in the end...:wink

I have owned three TJs 97-06 two were 4 banger 2.5s with 410 gears that plowed condos full time. My 02 i built in 06 is still plowing along with its 7'6 speedwing has for setups yup my 02 is built above a Rubicon in chassis however i did it mostly because i would run a plow the same size has you run on your Dodge full size..has do many other trucks.

My other two i did zero mods to other than timbrens with 6'6 plows .

Has for 90s jeeps a full leaf spring YJ is better than a TJ imo for modding the only thing about a TJ is its interior is improved with more user friendly dash and cockpit, its also more agile with its coil springs but when lifting and modding cost way more to do than a YJ.

About engines if you get a 4.0 then you get stuck without 410 gears which is why the 2.5 4 cylinder wrangler doesnt need alot of engine because it came stock with 410s.

In the world of offroading and i have built a few :wink horsepower means nothing in the woods if you dont have gears to back it up.

I havent the slightest clue how much i have invested in project wrangler my 02 stopped counting in the high teens, however i was determined to make it a commerial plow vech which it is, with a full air lock rear , 410 gears, Rock crawler suspen, 6speed lenco trans , Warn bumpers , Warn 9k powerplant winch and air compressor, Hand built Scotch blocks we use it for the towing buss has well for offroad recovery. Between plowing since 06, and offroad recoverys for the towing buss my little wrangler doesnt owe me a dime.

A few pics i threw in one for the short chain gang :wink

Fred
I just got a 97 TJ with a 4.0 and a stick we are going to use for clean ups at the aprtment complexes we plow. I am going to put a Snow Dogg Stainless on it as it has no plow now. Where is a good place to find a hard top for it. The rag top is only 3 years old but during the winter i would really rather have a hard top. It has full steel doors already.

Pickering Snow · Feb 21, 2010

04SUPERDUTY said:
a guy plows the small local hospice home with a older wrangler, square headlights i believe. it does a great job on the very little curved driveway, its so small my truck would probably barely fit on it without my plow. he has been doing it, and the 2 other locations for at least 6 years now and has had very little issues with his jeep. it does look funny with a plow hanging way off the front, makes the jeep look 10 feet long instead of 5.

Its called the look

always funny to see the look on another contractors face when theres that much blade hanging off the front of something so small .

Having run wranglers for awhile i see pics in reverse like the first one here dont you think that looks a tiny small for such a powerful truck...

Next pic Project Wrangler in summer atire did i mention there a riot with the top down in the summer...

Pickering Snow · Feb 21, 2010

CGSI said:
Fred
I just got a 97 TJ with a 4.0 and a stick we are going to use for clean ups at the aprtment complexes we plow. I am going to put a Snow Dogg Stainless on it as it has no plow now. Where is a good place to find a hard top for it. The rag top is only 3 years old but during the winter i would really rather have a hard top. It has full steel doors already.

John

Ill look for ya usally a dealer has one laying around thats how i got mine i payed 500 used for it.

Congrats will be a great plow truck, and theres noway you would want to even attemp plowing with a rag top on the rear wiper is your best friend on a wrangler when plowing, even the side windows will fog which if it has the rag on would be imposs to keep clear without scratching with a scraper.

Quadrtex also has hardtops new but you have all summer to look at CL and check out used car dealers for one also Ebay, i wouldnt pay more than 6-7hundred for one with rear defrost and wiper.
There all wired with a rear connector for a hard top with wiper, washer hose already run and defrost. If you find a 97-99 top which will work i have the plug adapters which change in 00-06 so you can look for either i got ya covered.

CGSI · Feb 21, 2010

Pickering Snow said:
John

Ill look for ya usally a dealer has one laying around thats how i got mine i payed 500 used for it.

Congrats will be a great plow truck, and theres noway you would want to even attemp plowing with a rag top on the rear wiper is your best friend on a wrangler when plowing, even the side windows will fog which if it has the rag on would be imposs to keep clear without scratching with a scraper.

Quadrtex also has hardtops new but you have all summer to look at CL and check out used car dealers for one also Ebay, i wouldnt pay more than 6-7hundred for one with rear defrost and wiper.
There all wired with a rear connector for a hard top with wiper, washer hose already run and defrost. If you find a 97-99 top which will work i have the plug adapters which change in 00-06 so you can look for either i got ya covered.

Thanks Fre
What years will fit? Forgive my Ignorance on the subject but I don't follow them that close. I know you do in that vintage so thats why i am asking you...

Pickering Snow · Feb 21, 2010

CGSI said:
Thanks Fre
What years will fit? Forgive my Ignorance on the subject but I don't follow them that close. I know you do in that vintage so thats why i am asking you...

No problem John 97-06 all physically fit the only diff is in 00 they changed the electrical plug thats tucked in by your left rear rollbar to make the hardtops rear wiper, washer, and rear defrost work , i have the adapter for you if you find a 00 -06 so i have you covered on that.

Also if you dont have a rear defrost switch dont worry its prewired i have those here also.

CGSI · Feb 21, 2010

Pickering Snow said:
No problem John 97-06 all physically fit the only diff is in 00 they changed the electrical plug thats tucked in by your left rear rollbar to make the hardtops rear wiper, washer, and rear defrost work , i have the adapter for you if you find a 00 -06 so i have you covered on that.

Also if you dont have a rear defrost switch dont worry its prewired i have those here also.

I knew I asked the right guy....lol... Thanks. It surely will help having a 9 model year range to choose from. I was afraid I was limited to 97-99 or something like that. I am on the hunt now... Thanks Again Bud

flykelley · Feb 21, 2010

Hi Guys
I bought a 93 wrangler this fall, Jerre hung a 680LT on the front of it for me. This is one plowing machine. It has the 2.5 so I thinks its a little under powered, but I have use it on some of my small commercial lots and it did fine. Bought a hardtop off Craigslist for $300.00 just need to keep your eyes open and be ready to buy when a good one pops up. They can be a little squirrely since they are so short so don't get too crazy with them even in 4 wheel drive. When I went looking for one I wanted to buy one that someone had not done a lot of mods to, mine was pretty much stock. ZI added a HO alt and of course changes all of the battery cables and grounds to 2 guage. Got a 12x12 piece of 1/8 inch flat stock had a friend powered coat it black and used Super Fast drying windshield urethane to hold the flat stock down. My light bar is a mini led magnet to stick to that flat stock. The thing ZI really like is how much visabelity you have in that little truck, man you can see everything.

Regards Mike

Plowing with a Wrangler

BWhite

BWhite

Snoworks

BWhite

MCV

BWhite

jbutch83

BWhite

04SUPERDUTY

Mark Oomkes

BWhite

Snoworks

Pickering Snow

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