Why is nearly all 2012 inventory Z71?

[jetrep]

I've been shopping for a 2012 Extended cab 5.3L Silverado/Sierra LT. It seems like every truck I come across has the Z71 package if it doesn't have the custom sport package. Is this a requirement from the factory? It isn't something I want or need so I'd rather not pay for it. I could go for the custom sport package but I don't really want those ugly 20" wheels.

 

Also, does anybody know if the Z71 will handle or ride any differently than the custom sport package? I'm not sure if the suspension is the same or not.

[thornmz71]

On the one I just bought it has the z71 plus package which includes rancho shocks and seems to be a stiffer ride then my 07 with just the regular z71 package

[RyanbabZ71]

Ride will be different due to suspension and tire size

 

 

Ryan

 

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[TimmyG]

Go drive them both and see what you think

 

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[mikeinmobileal]

According to this;

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110504/OEM01/110509942/1261

GM has a glut of new trucks right now. Seems like it shouldnt be too hard to find what you want. You may just need to add a little distance to your search and maybe consider having one transferred in closer to you.

 

Good luck in your new truck search.

 

 

I've been shopping for a 2012 Extended cab 5.3L Silverado/Sierra LT. It seems like every truck I come across has the Z71 package if it doesn't have the custom sport package. Is this a requirement from the factory? It isn't something I want or need so I'd rather not pay for it. I could go for the custom sport package but I don't really want those ugly 20" wheels.

 

Also, does anybody know if the Z71 will handle or ride any differently than the custom sport package? I'm not sure if the suspension is the same or not.

 

[Doug_Scott]

I would imagine the dealers order stock in based on history. GM builds based on the order from dealers. Try to locate a 2 wheel drive truck on a dealers lot this time of year. Around here, very little to choose from, and Sierra's that are SLE and 4x4 mostly have the 4.8 engine. Gas here last week was $1.29.8 per litre or $5.89 a gallon (CA gallon).

[GPGuy]

And the problem with this is?? lol (j/k) Most are regular 4x4 on the lots by me.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

There is a nice variety of suspension packages in my area, though it's most of the larger dealerships. The smaller guys only have a few non-Z71 4x4 vehicles. It seems to be the most popular suspension package for GM.

[jetrep]

Yesterday I drove two trucks equipped nearly identically except one was the Z71 package and the other the Custom Sport Package with Z60 performance suspension.

 

The Z60 suspension handles and drives a bit better. The truck has less body roll when turning. The difference is noticable but not dramatic. The 20" chrome wheels are quite ugly. I found the Z71 suspension a little bit smoother but not by much. I've read that the Z60 suspension was lower in the rear by 2" but I did not find that to be the case. There was a Z71 truck backed up right behind the Z60 truck. I opened the gates for both trucks and they were the same height.

[Z45]

The Denali has the Z60 High Performance Suspension and 20-in wheels. Having owned about 5 GMC Z71 equipped e cab trucks and also a 2010 Z71 GMC All Terrain (Rancho Shocks), the AWD Denali Z60 is the best riding and handling truck I have owned. While I tolerated the Z71's, the one with the Rancho shocks I did not like one bit. I traded it off soley because of the rough ride, most especially in cold temps on less than perfect roads, rode similar to my HD K2500 Suburban in that every bad road joint felt like hitting a pot-hole.

[Mossyoakglock]

As for suspension differences between the two, is there any different in the leaf springs or is it just in the shocks?

 

I have the Z60/Z85 package and was wondering if there is any difference in the leaf springs between the package I have and the Z71 or Max Trailering suspension or if its just all shocks.

 

Edit: Nevermind, I think I found the answer. It look like all leaf springs are same on all packages except if you have the NHT package. Does anybody know the part number for the leaf springs on the NHT package? I'm thinking about putting a set of those on if I can find them at a decent price.

[RyanbabZ71]

I have the part number for the nht sprigs I will post later when I get home

 

 

Ryan

 

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[RyanbabZ71]

Part#20870051 for the NHT springs

[Mossyoakglock]

How much more stiff are these than the standard springs?

 

Will they have less sag compared to the standard rear springs with the same load? I'm looking for something that will not sag as bad while hauling or towing a trailer. I don't really need airbags or helper springs and thought this might be another option if I could find them for cheap.

 

Also, what about ride height of the NHT springs? Are they the same? I'm trying to keep my current rake/stance.

[2012z71]

I just picked up a 2012 LT and from the shopping I did it seemed that dealers around me had a good mix of all start w Z71, All Start w/o and Sport Truck. The Sport Truck seemed more prevalent closer to the cities.