Can I Use a Plow Blade?

[titelines]

Hi All,

I have a 2000 Nissan Xterra. Can I add a plow to this truck? I don't want to do any big time plowing, just a long driveway and a short stretch of road (about 1.5 miles).

I've researched it in the past and believe that I found this truck is not compatible for a plow, but I thought I'd revisit the possibility. I've gotten a lot of good info here, so it's worth a shot.

Anyone know, or have any experience?

If I can get a plow on this, what would you recommend?

Thanks for any information.

[Scott K]

I am sure you can, but I wouldnt the truck isnt desiegned for it, and doesnt have heavy enough spring. Now as I said you could do it, but it would put alot of wear on the truck. You would be better off to find an old plow truck in the off season for $1000 IMO

[trackerbrent]

They make them for your vehicle. But it will be hard on the Xterra. Snowbear makes one to fit it, around $2000 though with the mounting bracket. I think it is a 7' blade, power up and down and manual side to side. Electric/hydraulic (power side to side and up and down) will start getting too heavy for the front end of the truck. There is a sticker on your truck that states front GAWR, weight front axle can handle. If you don't exceed that by adding a plow, I do not see a problem other than the extra wear and tear on the Nissan.

[Dozer]

Im sure you could, but should you? You see plows on S-10s all the time but I probably wouldnt do it. I know a guy who has a plow on a Geo Tracker, its a scary sight!

[Jeremy airjer W]

If its a four wheel drive xterra it will have torsion bars and independent front suspension. You will be able to adjust the ride hieght with the plow on and off. When you replace the ball joints they will likely be sloppy in the lower control arm and you will have to replace the entire control arm. This requires the removal of the knuckle and torsion bar. More than likely the rear bolts are frozen in the bushing which is pressed into the frame not the control arm. Once the torches, saws-alls, hammers punches, chisels, airhammers, presses are put away and the vehicle is ready to back out your looking at a minimum of $800 (+ or - depending on shop rate) for one ball joint (there are four all together).

What would I recommend? What my dad did. He bought an old ford f-150 4x4 that has really seen better days and plows with that.

[deadeye]

Im in agreement with the posts above, you would be better off getting a old beater truck with a plow on it and just using it for plowing. Either that or a four wheeler. For the money you would spend on a plow for the Xterra and making it work on that truck you could have a old rusty trusty truck just for plowing.

[titelines]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

Yep, it's all coming back to me now. I remember the weight of the plow on the front-end, and the strain on the drive-train being the main reasons not to do it.

I currently plow with the ATV and it works great. Was just curious about this.

If nothing else, this gives me an excuse to get something in the future. It would be fun to have a rag top to tool around and get to the fishing holes in the Summer.

What about an old LandCruiser (1974 - 1978)? Can you toss a plow on one of those?

Thanks Everyone!

[Jeremy airjer W]

I don't think I have ever seen one with a plow but those are almost indestructible! I vote for you being the official guinea pig. You buy it, get it setup, and report back on how things go. If it breaks we'll send 4WE and shack over to fix it. What do you think?

[Scott K]

Sure I am the old land cruiser expert

[titelines]

I don't think I have ever seen one with a plow but those are almost indestructible! I vote for you being the official guinea pig. You buy it, get it setup, and report back on how things go. If it breaks we'll send 4WE and shack over to fix it. What do you think?

Deal. Maybe I'll have this set up next year...