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

elwood565 · August 8, 2011

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?

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

[email protected] · August 8, 2011

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 · August 8, 2011

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

jro909 · August 9, 2011

6.0 all way...

shocktop · August 9, 2011

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?

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 · August 11, 2011

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 · August 11, 2011

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.