2005 Z71 Suburban Vs 2005 Yukon Xl

[ktosv]

I have owned a 2005 Suburban 1/2 ton in the past. We are looking at getting back into a Yukon XL or Suburban. We tow a good sized camper and I wondered if the Z71 suspension is actually stiffer than the regular 1/2 ton suspension and if it would help with towing?

The 05 Yukon XL we are looking at has the 4.10 axle which is nice, I don't know what axle the Z71 has yet but wondered if the suspension would be a benefit over the 4.10.

Thanks...

[5Alive]

Perhaps neither.

The best suspension for TOWING with a 2005 Yukon XL or Suburban might be the 2500 3/4 ton version... with leaf spring suspension.

The 3/4 ton advantage stems beyond the suspension... and includes the frame, and most importantly, the transmission. (4L80e versus 4L60e)

The second best might be AutoRide, with air bags. Only certain 1500 1/2 tons have the auto leveling airbag Autoride. The 2500 3/4 tons that do have Autoride essentially have a different type of Autoride... where only the shock absorbers adjust their dampening rates.

Getting the 4.10 rear end is smart, regardless. You will have the use of all 4 gears in the tranny, instead of just 3, when towing a load up a mild incline.

I have a 2005 2500 3/4 ton YXL with a 4.10 rear end, Autoride, and Quadrasteer. The 6.0 liter was the only engine choice available with Quadrasteer. At first I thought I wanted the 8.1 liter, but after using the vehicle more as a daily driver than as a towing bull, I'm glad I don't have the now discontinued, oil consuming, fuel guzzler. I've owned my 2005 YXL since new, and it has been a fantastic tow vehicle for trailers up to 8,000 lbs.

Good luck with your decision.



[quote name='ktosv' post='1208800' date='Oct 9 2011, 11:03 AM']I have owned a 2005 Suburban 1/2 ton in the past. We are looking at getting back into a Yukon XL or Suburban. We tow a good sized camper and I wondered if the Z71 suspension is actually stiffer than the regular 1/2 ton suspension and if it would help with towing?

The 05 Yukon XL we are looking at has the 4.10 axle which is nice, I don't know what axle the Z71 has yet but wondered if the suspension would be a benefit over the 4.10.

Thanks...[/quote]

[APT]

Define "good sized camper". I agree that the 3/4 ton is probably the way to go.

For a 6+ year old tow vehicle, the OEM suspension of any of those half tons does not make any difference. Springs sag, shocks get worn.

[Garrett Street]

Z71 suspension is not a good towing suspension system. Go with the Yukon and maybe think about some kind of airbag system if the trailer is really heavy.