New Plow, Spring Sag

tblazerdude

Original poster
Member
Dec 4, 2011
321
I just installed a Western Suburbanite 6'8'' plow on my trailblazer. The plow (200lbs) dropped the front end 1.5'' The plow blade sits about 6'' off the ground. I was thinking spacers to raise it up, but I bought a set of moog 81114 (comparable to "86" front springs) Do you think I will still need spacers? Will the 1'' of lift the new springs provide be enough? I was looking for a 1'' front spacer, but Markmc nor bdx make the small spacers. I would hate to uninstall and reinstall the strut twice.

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The_Roadie

Lifetime VIP Donor
Member
Nov 19, 2011
9,957
Portland, OR
I would do both the springs and a 1" spacer. SuspensionMAXX makes three different thicknesses including 1". I also have one or two extra sets of those in my garage and can make you a good deal.
 

Sparky

Member
Dec 4, 2011
12,927
Wonder how well that will work. The manual mentions specifically to not use plows on them.
 

tblazerdude

Original poster
Member
Dec 4, 2011
321
I suppose that 1'' front spacer and new front springs would put me at a factory rake. (z71 rears w/BDS5500) I think I will do both, if I hate it in the summer, I will take the spacer out.
 

tblazerdude

Original poster
Member
Dec 4, 2011
321
Sparky said:
Wonder how well that will work. The manual mentions specifically to not use plows on them.

Im just doing a few driveways and such. Nothing big or commercial. I agree these trucks are not designed for plowing, but it was a good deal and a easy way to make money on the side. It's a lightweight plow and I take care of my truck. Fully boxed frame, new splined disconnect, etc; should be fine.
 

6716

Member
Jul 24, 2012
822
tblazerdude said:
Im just doing a few driveways and such. Nothing big or commercial. I agree these trucks are not designed for plowing, but it was a good deal and a easy way to make money on the side. It's a lightweight plow and I take care of my truck. Fully boxed frame, new splined disconnect, etc; should be fine.

I was considering adding a plow for the same reasons you mentioned, but believed what I read in the manual. At the moment I'm glad I didn't put money into a plow last year, since there was no snow. They say a light winter this year, though last year they predicted a lot of snow and there wasn't any, so we'll probably be buried this year.

What was you experience with the install? Where did you get it? What did it set you back?
 

tblazerdude

Original poster
Member
Dec 4, 2011
321
Found the plow on Craigslist, it was 3 years old and spent the entirety of it's life on another trailblazer. $1500 took it home but I still needed a ($200) controller and a new($300) truck side mount, since the mounts seize to the truck. It was really easy to install. I did it in a buddy's shop using his tools, his lift, and his help for $300. Drill 4 holes in frame, hook up some connectors and you're all set.
 

tblazerdude

Original poster
Member
Dec 4, 2011
321
Thanks to Roadie's help I installed my new Moog 81114 front springs, and a set of 1'' spacers. The lift was more than I expected, but so far I like it. It really leveled out the truck with the Z71 rears. The combination raised the truck about 4''. In the picture it is now sitting at 36'' from ground to fender. Previous I was at 32.5''

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While I was at it I replaced my outter tierods, the drivers side stud was bent. Then I went for new tires and and an alignment.
 

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Denali n DOO

Member
May 22, 2012
5,596
Looks really good :thumbsup: ! Let us know how well the plow works on your truck when you get some snow...
 

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