Driveway Snow plowing

[Mytmouse]

As quoted from a post/thread from JeepCoMJ "KJ snowplow"

"""I'm not asking your opinion on "oh, that's gonna be rough on the vehicle". Yes, it is. but not as rough as you guys who don't plow at all, or only plow commercial think.

The plow will come off when not in use. I do not drive with the plow on, except maybe to the gas station in the middle of a snowstorm when i've just made a quick pass on the driveway while it's still snowing.

My application is residential, private owner for my own driveway and a couple of neighbors, and elderly, when their normal guys are busy with a huge snow.

This is one of those threads that could get a bit upsetting. Just giving you fair warning, if you don't think it's a good idea to put a plow on one, I would prefer that you don't post at all, because you don't know how I run a plow (not hard like a "pro"), and you probably haven't got any or much experience with a plow anyways."""

I'm just starting a new thread for advice on trans cooling.

. I had an old Ford Escape, just wasn't cutting it, so I purposely went looking for another compact small SUV and the Jeep Liberty KJ fit the bill.
I started another post "New to Jeep KJ". I too contemplating/plan to replace the springs with CRD springs. But I also had concerns with the trans cooling..

From other thread;

Ok, after getting the necessary info. for maintenance/service on this "New to me" 05 Liberty (just need to verify front diff fluid weight). A big THANK YOU TO ALL!

As mentioned, I plan on using this Liberty for driveway snow plowing with my Myers Home plow. Not for towing. (I have a BIG Ford F350 7.3 diesel for that). I've been thinking about the trans. temp. I don't plan on doing any towing in the hot summer, just plowing in the cold winter months with it...

This Liberty did not come with the tow package, I was simply going to add an external Delare transmission cooler to it (from etrailers), but as I'm looking around I see it already has an external cooler in front of the rad. Thinking maybe,, or maybe not, good enough, I then decided to search on this forum what others have done, and oh boy, I came across alot of info., people wanting to add for towing and overheating issues.

So from what I'm gathering I can;
Either to add the HD cooling, missing from the tow package, (which I believe is changing ? the electric fan and shroud and adding the mechanical fan with clutch) . But I loose that nice space to get to the oil filter & such ,, oh well...
-And /or- change the rad to an 02 Liberty rad (that has the internal trans cooler along WITH plumbing the original extrenal trans cooler).

I'm a bit confused now. I've read there's choices of fans (I have the 3 wire plug to my fan), and getting the correct clutch, ect. Any help/guidance is appreciated. Also if I got it right about the HD cooling (involving changing the electric fan, ect.). If any of you can simplify this for me/my needs, and if POSSIBLE to include part numbers of what I REALLY NEED? PLEASE

See link for pictures:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LmBEZjhywSqWcx1d7

I'm thinkg/ leaning towards just adding the HD cooling (fans/shroud/clutch)... That should pull in the necessary cool ambient air pass the existiing external cooler and rad. at the low speeds of plowing for my situation.

 

[Sephiroth]

I got all I needed for the HD cooling from rock auto. The new fan shroud came with the new electric fan (2 pin) in my case. There are a few threads here where you can find all you need for it I don't remember the part numbers but it's basically: fan shroud with electric fan, fan clutch, and the actual acrilic fan blade, plus I had to take the clutch and fan blade to Napa to get the screws for it. There is a guy here that I believe runs a snow plowing business with his liberty hopefully he comes by.

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

 

[tommudd]

Snow plow on front ( even for driveways etc ) better be updating the suspension as well. If not you'll kill the whole suspension for even driving to the mall . I'd be more worried about that than it getting hot plowing snow in 10-20 degree weather

 

[Mytmouse]

Snow plow on front ( even for driveways etc ) better be updating the suspension as well. If not you'll kill the whole suspension for even driving to the mall . I'd be more worried about that than it getting hot plowing snow in 10-20 degree weather

Yes I mentioned, I'm contemplating/ plan to replace the springs with CRD 410# springs.
The Myers home plow is basically a glorified ATV Plow. I have the 26000 model with full controls. It's around 250 # - 241#'s to be exact. Probably about what an ARB bumper and winch weigh that others put on their Libby's...

Couple of Links that show the details of the 26000 plow:
https://www.snowblowersatjacks.com/product-details/meyer-snow-plow/26000
https://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Meyer-Products-26000/p8994.html

See video :
https://youtu.be/NH7_cO8v0xk

 

[tommudd]

Yes I mentioned, I plan to replace the springs with CRD 410# springs.
The Myers home plow is basically a glorified ATV Plow. I have the 26000 model with full controls. It's around 250 # - 241#'s to be exact. Probably about what an ARB bumper and winch weigh that others put on their Libby's...

Couple of Links that show the details of the 26000 plow:
https://www.snowblowersatjacks.com/product-details/meyer-snow-plow/26000
https://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Meyer-Products-26000/p8994.html

See video :
https://youtu.be/NH7_cO8v0xk

Still not enough going to the CRD springs, OME 790 springs are what we use for aftermarket bumpers and winches along with either Bilstein or OME shocks
We use 927 springs rated at 400 lb for KJs with no weight at all just stock
Just trying to help
But you'll see ........

 

[Mytmouse]

So with the transmission heat , are you saying I'm over thinking this all. Like you said I'll be in 30 or below temps

 

[boboborino]

Checked out the links, seems like a good system.

Bert

 

[Mytmouse]

Just got done switching the plow from the Ford Escape to the Liberty and already I see the Liberty is higher than the Ford,, and with less sag STOCK. I don't have measurements as it started raining out.
Also to note on the Ford Escape I had installed the OME 2" Spring lift and struts (well they were an odd 1.75" for the Escape) rated for heavier front end loads. I forget the lbs rating.
I'll take measurements tomorrow, and I suppose I'll use this winter as a test run and monitor the transmission temperature with my OBD bluetooth Torque app.
As you mentioned I'll be in 30 and below temps. Suppose the external trans cooler in those temps. will suffice..??..

Like mentioned in the beginning of this thread (as - JeepCoMJ put it so well in his "KJ snowplow" thread), I'm well aware/experienced with plowing with compact SUV's/unibodies (6yrs & going). I'm aware of the concerns and what to do with the suspension/extra weight/beating on the truck. Just not with a KJ, YET....

My questions/concerns - I'm looking for advise/input from experienced Liberty owners as yourselves, is with the trans heat/cooling configurations.

 

[sota]

You must be registered for see images attach

Someone mention plowing?

 

[Mytmouse]

Yes , nice set up ! sota Thanks for sharing.

• What gear oil are you running in your Diffs? (Front/Rear)
• What are your experiences with the trans temps?
• What trans cooling does your Libby have?
• And
• What suspension set up do you have on your Libby?

 

[tommudd]

Yes , nice set up ! sota Thanks for sharing.

• What gear oil are you running in your Diffs? (Front/Rear)
• What are your experiences with the trans temps?
• What trans cooling does your Libby have?
• And
• What suspension set up do you have on your Libby?

MOABs with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar 245/70R16
JBA UCA 4.5
OME 790/948/90009/N32
Western Suburbanite 7'4" plow
DetoursUSA Backbone

in his signature and look 790 OME springs LOL

 

[Mytmouse]

MOABs with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar 245/70R16
JBA UCA 4.5
OME 790/948/90009/N32
Western Suburbanite 7'4" plow
DetoursUSA Backbone

in his signature and look 790 OME springs LOL

Thanx Tom - Yes I see that . :happy107:

Just fyi - I'm not looking to lift, (at least not big, if I don't have to, just have proper weight support, I'm running stock size AT tires ...

 

[tommudd]

By the way, plowed snow for years with Bob Tail Broncos, CJ5s, F150s , Jeep Honcho etc, best was the BT Broncos, easy to turn in a small area , had a 67-69-70 same plow on each one . Used to like to plow, made really good money

 

[Mytmouse]

Nice - I restored an old 75 Bronco put in a 5.0 mustang motor.

See pic:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Y327E1gcC9By4P99

 

[sota]

* 75w90 full synthetic
* I have a manual... see my sig.
* I have a manual... see my sig.
* and
* see my sig.

 

[Ksat]

You actually installed a plow on a Ford Escape? And how'd that work out for ya? Haha. I just retired an Escape myself that I owned for about 10 years, so I know how largely incapable they are by themselves in the slick stuff, never mind trying to plow something in it.

Anyway, good choice on changing to a Liberty. Regarding trans cooling, to keep temps down I'd suggest that you plow exclusively in low range, keep your speed relatively slow and keep the plow fully angled when doing long stretches to minimize resistance (i.e. snow buildup) in front of you. Also, during during a storm, keep on top of it and don't let the inches keep building up. Since low range is part-time, be careful about making sharp turns when you're in it, esp when turning around.

If you're super worried about the temp, take some breaks in between with engine running to let the cooler do it's job. Unless the cooling fins on your external cooler are dirty/bent/whatever, I doubt replacing it with another one will yield much of a benefit. If you were planning on pulling a large RV up the side of a mountain on the hottest day of the year, I'd say maybe look into all the heavy duty trans cooling stuff, but as you described it you're far from that kind of scenario.

Regarding potentially heavier springs, why don't you get the plow hooked up and lifted first and see how much sag you're getting. It's normal on most vehicles for a plow to drop the suspension down some/cause camber angle to go into negative territory. You just need to know how much is too much. Eyeball it and common sense will tell you. Since you said the plow is pretty light duty and a local gas station is the farthest you'll be going with it anyway, you'll probably be fine with the springs you have.

 

[Mytmouse]

in his signature and look 790 OME springs LOL

Ah now I see:

Tommudd's Econo 3.5" Lift Kit KJ OME

https://jeepinbyal.com/liberty-2002...erty/tommudd-s-econo-3-5-lift-kit-kj-ome.html

 

[Mytmouse]

You actually installed a plow on a Ford Escape? And how'd that work out for ya? Haha. I just retired an Escape myself that I owned for about 10 years, so I know how largely incapable they are by themselves in the slick stuff, never mind trying to plow something in it.

Anyway, good choice on changing to a Liberty. Regarding trans cooling, to keep temps down I'd suggest that you plow exclusively in low range, keep your speed relatively slow and keep the plow fully angled when doing long stretches to minimize resistance (i.e. snow buildup) in front of you. Also, during during a storm, keep on top of it and don't let the inches keep building up. Since low range is part-time, be careful about making sharp turns when you're in it, esp when turning around.

If you're super worried about the temp, take some breaks in between with engine running to let the cooler do it's job. Unless the cooling fins on your external cooler are dirty/bent/whatever, I doubt replacing it with another one will yield much of a benefit. If you were planning on pulling a large RV up the side of a mountain on the hottest day of the year, I'd say maybe look into all the heavy duty trans cooling stuff, but as you described it you're far from that kind of scenario.

Regarding potentially heavier springs, why don't you get the plow hooked up and lifted first and see how much sag you're getting. It's normal on most vehicles for a plow to drop the suspension down some/cause camber angle to go into negative territory. You just need to know how much is too much. Eyeball it and common sense will tell you. Since you said the plow is pretty light duty and a local gas station is the farthest you'll be going with it anyway, you'll probably be fine with the springs you have.

Ksat , yeah I know don't ask, the Ford Escape is what was available to me at the time (I inherited it). And actually it wasn't toooo bad (ha, ha) . But yes definitely the reason for switching to the KJ.

Yes your exactly correct in your plowing description, and Yes I'll keep an eye on the temps the way the Liberty is set up now, and take breaks when/IF needed.

AND my thoughts of what I was thinking about the suspension. Plow is only on for that time to clear the snow, like you said other than to the local gas station. I also don't want a stiff bouncy ride for the other 90% of the time the truck will be driven

Thanks

 

[Mytmouse]

* 75w90 full synthetic
* I have a manual... see my sig.
* I have a manual... see my sig.
* and
* see my sig.

Dang I was advised 75w-140 and just placed order for it....

.

 

[sota]

Ah now I see:

Tommudd's Econo 3.5" Lift Kit KJ OME

https://jeepinbyal.com/liberty-2002...erty/tommudd-s-econo-3-5-lift-kit-kj-ome.html

It wasn't that when I bought it, but that's a similar setup.

and a note on the 790 front springs; if you go that route, you will NOT be assembling them on the front strut yourself. it took a shop specializing in heavy duty vehicles to be able to compress that spring and assemble it.