Jump to content

Hey There, Newbie Here, Looking For Some Advice...

elwood565

Recommended Posts

elwood565 New Member

elwood565

Posted
Posted

Hi there folks!

 

My name is Bob and I am probably going to be asking a fair amount of newbie questions, but I am looking to really do some research before I pull the trigger on buying a new(er) truck. I am not trying to compare ford vs GM or anything like that, as I am a GM guy all the way. I am new to trucks though, and I just want to make sure that all the options and things that I think I want are worth it.

 

I know what I am going to be using the truck for, so I am looking at the 1500 Sierras. I have looked over the site for some of this info, but wanted to ask to make sure, as I have two trucks that I am looking at currently, and basically just want your opinions as to which would be the better deal.

 

Ideally, I'd love to order one brand new with the extended cab, z71 and the 6.2L, but it's just not in the budget.

 

The two I am looking at right now are both 2008's, both extended cab's and 4x4's, but here is the difference- one is has the z71 package, but with the 5.3L. The other has the 6.0, but is just a 4x4 and no z71. They are both about $23,000, but the 5.3L only has 18k miles, where the 6.0L has 35k miles. They are both GM certified used.

 

So what I am trying to decide is what is more important? This is where I am hoping you guys can help me out. Is the z71 package worth the smaller motor? Or are the options not worth it when I'd really rather have the bigger engine?

 

....Or did I just answer my own question in that last sentence? :thumbs:

 

Thanks so much for your time everybody. I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

tylerjenkins92@aol.com Senior Enthusiast

[email protected]

Posted
Posted

The z71 has been almost a joke package for quite awhile, today you can even get a 2wd z71, so go for the 6.0, IMO. The v-max has z85 suspension which is more heavy duty than a z71 suspension anyway.

1990ss Enthusiast

1990ss

Posted
Posted

I believe all a z71 has are skid plates, different shocks, and decals. I have a 6.0 without z71 and just added the factory skid plates. If you want the bigger engine, I wouldn't worry about if it's a z71 or not. IMO

shocktop Enthusiast

shocktop

Posted
Posted
Or are the options not worth it when I'd really rather have the bigger engine?

 

....Or did I just answer my own question in that last sentence? :D

 

Thanks so much for your time everybody. I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

 

Yes, you answered your own question.

 

Go with the bigger engine. You didn't mention your planned useage for the truck, but if you're really going to go off roading you will add your own aftermarket stuff anyway. The Z71 package is marketed as more off roadish, but as others have said, it's stickers and a skid plate basically.

elwood565 New Member

elwood565

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks so much for confirming my suspicions guys! I definitely want the 6.0 more than stickers. But I would add the skid plates on my own for sure.

 

Thanks again for the info and the opinions guys. I'll keep you posted on when/if a successful purchase goes through.

 

-Bob

joshw1303 Enthusiast

joshw1303

Posted
Posted
Thanks so much for confirming my suspicions guys! I definitely want the 6.0 more than stickers. But I would add the skid plates on my own for sure.

 

Thanks again for the info and the opinions guys. I'll keep you posted on when/if a successful purchase goes through.

 

-Bob

 

I had a posting here. The Z-71 comes with a lot of stuff.

 

1.81" (46 mm) shocks, off-road jounce bumpers, 34mm front stabilizer bar, high capacity air cleaner, heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential, Skid Plate Package

 

 

Skid Plate Package includes: frame-mounted shields, front underbody shield starting behind front bumper and running to first cross-member, protecting front underbody, oil pan, differential case and transfer case

 

 

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_z71_gm...f#ixzz1Ujpz798x

 

The Z71 suspension has 46mm shocks and a 34mm front stabilizer bar.

The NHT "Max Trailering Pkg." has the "Z85" suspension package and also uses 46mm shocks,but uses a 36mm front stabilizer bar in place of the 34mm bar.

The "NHT" package includes so much more including the 4L70-E "Super-Duty" transmission (Which comes with any 1/2-ton 6-liter equipped truck) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Stabilitrak.

Also the 265/70R17 tires that come with the "NHT" pkg. are also standard on Z71 trucks,The 265/65R18's are optional with the Z71 package.

The rear jounce bumpers are the same on all trucks no matter what suspension it has.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.4k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,837
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    bellssn690
    Newest Member
    bellssn690
    Joined

  • Who's Online   0 Members, 0 Anonymous, 815 Guests (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • cautious optimist
      GM Hard Folding Tonneau by REV review

      By cautious optimist · Posted

      This is a really late reply but I just found this thread. They won't sell the hinges. I've gone 7 rounds with them. Their solution is to buy a new cover. I'm about to buy a new cover and it won't be a Bakflip. It also won't be from realtruck.com. 
    • Chuck FB
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Yes, and also pulling heavy trailers or a large camper up steep grades as well as descending grades such as the more rustic off road camping locations and using engine braking with that low gearing as well as soft ground can just suck the power . I realize pickups these days tend to have an over all lower first gear ratio compared to automatic transmission pickups from years back so that has helped a lot in its ability in high range but there comes a point if in four wheel drive the torque runs out at the wheels, certainly with a gas engine. They don't put two speed transfer cases on pickups for a cool factor, they have a function if one needs that massive torque to the wheels that high range can't deliver. 
    • Grumpy Bear
      Grumpy Bears 2015 Silverado 2WD

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Notes 7/18/2026   3,400 miles on this batch of Mobil 1 Euro 5W40 since the GDI pump replacement. Alcohol runs very clean when ring seal is tight and the sump isn't getting hosed with fuel. Checked oil level at fill up today as is my practice and grabbed a white Kleenex to look at the color. What color?  I was going to change it but.....  
    • Another JR
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Another JR · Posted

      4 low is really nice on steep boat ramps. 
    • Chuck FB
      Gas Prices

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Interesting, I suspect I would have fueled up in Lee Vining as the day prior I would have filled up either in Laughlin or near there and maybe again before I entered Death Valley and once out the other side late that evening as I kept on driving into the night up near Lee Vining. Next morning I most likely fueled up in LV before heading over Tioga Pass into ( as I refer to it as "Yose .... Mite" 😁 ). And again that was 19 years ago but the price then must not have jumped out at me like the 5 bill a gallon theme of nutty cult hippy country Big Sir or head so far up their rear Aspen. I'd be curious to know where the highest prices are in the lower 48, I probably would not be far off to guess somewhere in Cali forn ie. Coldfoot and Prudhoe bay may have those prices beat but that is a whole other world up there and when prices are more normal elsewhere that is about what they can be up there I believe in no mans land. Anyway interesting that the 395 corridor is hosing people and the thing is, its tourist season and its not like there are a lot of competition options when driving up that highway from what I could see. Yup, big ole Boaterhomes and various other RV's ahead and behind me at the Yosemite entrance gate and they have to get their fuel somewhere.  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...