[MYTWOSONS]

I'm a newbie to plowing, and I recently purchased a Blizzard 760LT for my 2005 Crew Cab 1/2-ton Chevy Silverado. I know hanging a 550-lb piece of metal off the front of your truck will cause some steering difficulties, but has anyone else experienced "manual" like steering with there plow when raised? This only happens when turning at slow speeds (i.e. backing into garage, pulling into parking space, etc.) I installed Timbren springs in the front and have 550 pounds of ballast even though Blizzard recommends 450. The lower ballast weight didn't help as much as the higher weight.wesport

 

[sparky8370]

I have noticed the same thing occasionally with my 01 chevy 2500HD. I have the duramax so my power steering also runs the brakes. Thought I was just robbing too much power with the brakes when it was happening. I have an 8'HD Fisher MM2

 

[streetsurfin']

Is it also tight in 2 wheel drive or only four? Could what you're feeling be the four wheel drive? Steering does get harder to turn on dry (or not slick) pavement when in 4wd.

 

[MYTWOSONS]

I notice it in both two, and four wheel drive. I contacted the local Chevy dealer, and they said Chevy trucks aren't designed for plowsAnother response was to put a smaller pulley on my power steering pump (more revolutions = increased pump flow). I checked around at some of the local four wheel drive places, and they've never heard of such a "fix". Looking for any input that may help. I ruled tires out of the question since I replaced my worn out Bridgestones with Yokohama Geolanders.

 

[NICHOLS LANDSCA]

Noticed the same thing on my trucks 2500hd's after going from stock 245's to 285's. Just alittle harder turning at low speeds just make sure you are moving when turning not to put extra strain on parts.

 

[MYTWOSONS]

Thanks for the responses. The Blizzard dealer told me that this was the first he had heard of this type of issue so I wanted to make sure my situation wasn't unique to my truck.:redbounce I'm running P265 R17's.

 

[B&B]

It's not a unique problem at all on the GM's... many guys notice the lack of assist after installing a plow or going to wider tires than... some of the late GM stuff went out the door with PS pumps that would just barely produce enough psi to do the job with the truck empty.

John Q public would never notice it, but a guy that hangs a 700 lb plow off the front or adds wider tires will notice it right away...

If you take it to the dealer and have them do a pump pressure test on it. I think they'll find it's down on pressure and flow at low engine speeds...

 

[MYTWOSONS]

What option(s) would I have then if the pump pressure is too low. Do they make a pump (OEM, or aftermarket) that would supply the required volume?

 

[B&B]

If the truck is still under warranty, I'd let them first check/change the pump.. If your still not happy with it or it's out of warranty, then I'd look into getting a pump aftermarket from AGR or Howe engineering. They both make custom upgraded direct fit PS pumps. They cost a little more but it's money well spent.

 

[MYTWOSONS]

Thanks for the info. I'll check into it.


2005 Chevy Silverado 1/2-ton Crew Cab
Blizzard 760LT Straight Blade