Z71 Vs. 4x4 Ride

gtolvr · February 14, 2010

I started this topic in a maintenance area. As a newbie i then found this area. Thought it may be more appropriate to post this here.

I have driven Z71 and recently 4x4 silverado. The Z71 has a much harsher ride than the 4x4 version.

If you already own a Z71 how do you make it ride like the 4x4 version which is a lot smoother.

I am getting a Z71 and am looking into smoothing the ride out since I will not be going four wheeling or towing/hauling much.

Someone stated in the other post to just change the shocks will do the trick.

Any other comments on smoothing out the Z71 ride for on road use.

Thanks,

jimmyboy8301 · February 14, 2010

I started this topic in a maintenance area. As a newbie i then found this area. Thought it may be more appropriate to post this here.

I have driven Z71 and recently 4x4 silverado. The Z71 has a much harsher ride than the 4x4 version.

If you already own a Z71 how do you make it ride like the 4x4 version which is a lot smoother.

I am getting a Z71 and am looking into smoothing the ride out since I will not be going four wheeling or towing/hauling much.

Someone stated in the other post to just change the shocks will do the trick.

Any other comments on smoothing out the Z71 ride for on road use.

Thanks,

the ONLY difference between the Z71 and non Z71 is decals, cheap skid plates, and shocks, but there really shouldn't even be that much noticable of a difference in the ride. i think it your mind playing tricks on you.

Jeff_R · February 14, 2010

the ONLY difference between the Z71 and non Z71 is decals, cheap skid plates, and shocks, but there really shouldn't even be that much noticable of a difference in the ride. i think it your mind playing tricks on you.

Wrong! Z71 package also includes the G80, larger stabilizer bar and Jounce bumpers. The shocks make a HUGE difference in ride quality.

jimmyboy8301 · February 14, 2010

the ONLY difference between the Z71 and non Z71 is decals, cheap skid plates, and shocks, but there really shouldn't even be that much noticable of a difference in the ride. i think it your mind playing tricks on you.

Wrong! Z71 package also includes the G80, larger stabilizer bar and Jounce bumpers. The shocks make a HUGE difference in ride quality.

i forgot the ever important and high quality G80. the larger stabilizer bar and jounce bumpers make no difference in ride quality. my last truck was a Z71 this one is not, and there was NO difference in ride quality when either truck was stock. there is nothing really "offroad" about the Z71 package at all what so ever.

BruceW · February 14, 2010

If you want to change how it rides swap the suspension in your Z71 for something softer. The least expensive option would likely to be to buy Z82 or Z83 suspension components from someone who is upgrading.

Jeff_R · February 15, 2010

i forgot the ever important and high quality G80. the larger stabilizer bar and jounce bumpers make no difference in ride quality. my last truck was a Z71 this one is not, and there was NO difference in ride quality when either truck was stock. there is nothing really "offroad" about the Z71 package at all what so ever.

What's wrong with the G80? When not abused (i.e. used for drag racing or doing donuts on dry pavement) and used as it was designed, it serves it's purpose just fine.

I never said the Z71's larger stabilizer bar or jounce bumpers affected ride quality, I simply corrected your false statement as to what the Z71 package included. My last truck was also a Z71 and my current truck is not (it has the Z60 suspension). Even though I'll admit the Z71 is mostly a marketing package, I wouldn't say there is nothing offroad about it. The larger stabilizer bar, jounce bumpers, shocks, high capacity air cleaner and skid plates are all meant for offroad use.

Do you take your lifted truck offroad or is it a street queen like most lifted trucks that's main purpose is to compensate for "other" deficiencies?

jimmyboy8301 · February 15, 2010

i forgot the ever important and high quality G80. the larger stabilizer bar and jounce bumpers make no difference in ride quality. my last truck was a Z71 this one is not, and there was NO difference in ride quality when either truck was stock. there is nothing really "offroad" about the Z71 package at all what so ever.

What's wrong with the G80? When not abused (i.e. used for drag racing or doing donuts on dry pavement) and used as it was designed, it serves it's purpose just fine.

I never said the Z71's larger stabilizer bar or jounce bumpers affected ride quality, I simply corrected your false statement as to what the Z71 package included. My last truck was also a Z71 and my current truck is not (it has the Z60 suspension). Even though I'll admit the Z71 is mostly a marketing package, I wouldn't say there is nothing offroad about it. The larger stabilizer bar, jounce bumpers, shocks, high capacity air cleaner and skid plates are all meant for offroad use.

Do you take your lifted truck offroad or is it a street queen like most lifted trucks that's main purpose is to compensate for "other" deficiencies?

go to an "offroad" truck site and see how many G80's have blown up. the only offroad use that the Z71 package is made for is a gravel or dirt road. you can get a regular 4x4 silverado with a G80 and have a just as capable "offroad" truck as a Z71. i RARELY offroad my lifted truck more than a dirt/sand trail it's too expensive for anything other than that, nor is it built for much more than that. as for the deficiencies: if i had a penny for every jeleous person that made that old but brilliant statement to me and other lifted truck guys i'd be rich. do you not have a lifted truck because you don't have the coin or knowledge to do it? there, now i made an equally intelligent comment.

i have a vortec max, 20" wheels, 35" tires, my truck is an LTZ, i have a billet bowtie and billet grille, i have a dual exhaust, and my truck is black and has windshield wipers, but sadly it's not a Z71, imagine what else i'm compensating for.

Jeff_R · February 15, 2010

i forgot the ever important and high quality G80. the larger stabilizer bar and jounce bumpers make no difference in ride quality. my last truck was a Z71 this one is not, and there was NO difference in ride quality when either truck was stock. there is nothing really "offroad" about the Z71 package at all what so ever.

What's wrong with the G80? When not abused (i.e. used for drag racing or doing donuts on dry pavement) and used as it was designed, it serves it's purpose just fine.

I never said the Z71's larger stabilizer bar or jounce bumpers affected ride quality, I simply corrected your false statement as to what the Z71 package included. My last truck was also a Z71 and my current truck is not (it has the Z60 suspension). Even though I'll admit the Z71 is mostly a marketing package, I wouldn't say there is nothing offroad about it. The larger stabilizer bar, jounce bumpers, shocks, high capacity air cleaner and skid plates are all meant for offroad use.

Do you take your lifted truck offroad or is it a street queen like most lifted trucks that's main purpose is to compensate for "other" deficiencies?

go to an "offroad" truck site and see how many G80's have blown up. the only offroad use that the Z71 package is made for is a gravel or dirt road. you can get a regular 4x4 silverado with a G80 and have a just as capable "offroad" truck as a Z71. i RARELY offroad my lifted truck more than a dirt/sand trail it's too expensive for anything other than that, nor is it built for much more than that. as for the deficiencies: if i had a penny for every jeleous person that made that old but brilliant statement to me and other lifted truck guys i'd be rich. do you not have a lifted truck because you don't have the coin or knowledge to do it? there, now i made an equally intelligent comment.

i have a vortec max, 20" wheels, 35" tires, my truck is an LTZ, i have a billet bowtie and billet grille, i have a dual exhaust, and my truck is black and has windshield wipers, but sadly it's not a Z71, imagine what else i'm compensating for.

Wow Jimmy, you are really wound tight. Might want to lighten up a tad. It's just the interwebs.

jimmyboy8301 · February 15, 2010

i forgot the ever important and high quality G80. the larger stabilizer bar and jounce bumpers make no difference in ride quality. my last truck was a Z71 this one is not, and there was NO difference in ride quality when either truck was stock. there is nothing really "offroad" about the Z71 package at all what so ever.

What's wrong with the G80? When not abused (i.e. used for drag racing or doing donuts on dry pavement) and used as it was designed, it serves it's purpose just fine.

I never said the Z71's larger stabilizer bar or jounce bumpers affected ride quality, I simply corrected your false statement as to what the Z71 package included. My last truck was also a Z71 and my current truck is not (it has the Z60 suspension). Even though I'll admit the Z71 is mostly a marketing package, I wouldn't say there is nothing offroad about it. The larger stabilizer bar, jounce bumpers, shocks, high capacity air cleaner and skid plates are all meant for offroad use.

Do you take your lifted truck offroad or is it a street queen like most lifted trucks that's main purpose is to compensate for "other" deficiencies?

go to an "offroad" truck site and see how many G80's have blown up. the only offroad use that the Z71 package is made for is a gravel or dirt road. you can get a regular 4x4 silverado with a G80 and have a just as capable "offroad" truck as a Z71. i RARELY offroad my lifted truck more than a dirt/sand trail it's too expensive for anything other than that, nor is it built for much more than that. as for the deficiencies: if i had a penny for every jeleous person that made that old but brilliant statement to me and other lifted truck guys i'd be rich. do you not have a lifted truck because you don't have the coin or knowledge to do it? there, now i made an equally intelligent comment.

i have a vortec max, 20" wheels, 35" tires, my truck is an LTZ, i have a billet bowtie and billet grille, i have a dual exhaust, and my truck is black and has windshield wipers, but sadly it's not a Z71, imagine what else i'm compensating for.

Wow Jimmy, you are really wound tight. Might want to lighten up a tad. It's just the interwebs.

did you miss the in my post? thats me with a smile written all over my face.

hodo78 · February 15, 2010

I have to agree with Jimmy here, my truck is a non-z71 4x4, but I test drove many z71 trucks before buying this one and I have owned both z71 and 4x4 in older year models and have never noticed much if any of a difference in the ride quality when stock.

I would also tend to agree that the standard 4x4 w/g80 is just as capable as the hyped z71 package.

I did buy the skid plates from the z71 package and add them to my truck for less than $100 bucks, I just like the idea of not being totally naked down there even though the aluminum plates dont really add that much protection IMO.

Jeff_R · February 15, 2010

I have to agree with Jimmy here, my truck is a non-z71 4x4, but I test drove many z71 trucks before buying this one and I have owned both z71 and 4x4 in older year models and have never noticed much if any of a difference in the ride quality when stock.

I would also tend to agree that the standard 4x4 w/g80 is just as capable as the hyped z71 package.

I did buy the skid plates from the z71 package and add them to my truck for less than $100 bucks, I just like the idea of not being totally naked down there even though the aluminum plates dont really add that much protection IMO.

Then you are also agreeing with me. I also have a non-Z71 that I added skid plates to "ala carte" for $95.

jimmyboy8301 · February 15, 2010

i'm not saying the G80 is garbage, but under real "offroad" conditions it has a tendancy to not hold up, however they have also blown as soon as you put the truck in drive lol. there probably aren't as many guys on this site that have seen the numerous threads of blown G80's but on sites like GMFS and FSC they are all over lol.

Jeff_R · February 15, 2010

i'm not saying the G80 is garbage, but under real "offroad" conditions it has a tendancy to not hold up, however they have also blown as soon as you put the truck in drive lol. there probably aren't as many guys on this site that have seen the numerous threads of blown G80's but on sites like GMFS and FSC they are all over lol.

MOST G80 failures occur when they are used beyond their intended use. Extreme off-road and dry pavement abuse.

jimmyboy8301 · February 15, 2010

i'm not saying the G80 is garbage, but under real "offroad" conditions it has a tendancy to not hold up, however they have also blown as soon as you put the truck in drive lol. there probably aren't as many guys on this site that have seen the numerous threads of blown G80's but on sites like GMFS and FSC they are all over lol.

MOST G80 failures occur when they are used beyond their intended use. Extreme off-road and dry pavement abuse.

take a search around the above mentioned sites and look at the hundreds of threads on G80's

Jeff_R · February 15, 2010

i'm not saying the G80 is garbage, but under real "offroad" conditions it has a tendancy to not hold up, however they have also blown as soon as you put the truck in drive lol. there probably aren't as many guys on this site that have seen the numerous threads of blown G80's but on sites like GMFS and FSC they are all over lol.

MOST G80 failures occur when they are used beyond their intended use. Extreme off-road and dry pavement abuse.

take a search around the above mentioned sites and look at the hundreds of threads on G80's

GMFS and FSC is full of people that don't exactly baby their trucks.