Sierra Denali with off-road suspension

Frankp · December 15, 2013

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be purchasing a 2014 Sierra Denali 6.2L, probably in the next week or two if I find one that fits for me. I am seeing a lot of vehicles that have off-road suspension. My gut tells me with the different shocks and tires the ride would suffer but how much?

Does anyone have any experience with one vs the other? And which do you prefer in the trucks? I've always had regular suspension

Thanks, and really liking the forum so far!

GMCustomerService · December 16, 2013

Hey Frankp,

Depending on availability, we could look into setting you up on a test drive to experience both. If this is something you would like us to look into for you please reach out via PM with your name, number, and zip code.

Sincerely,

Jonathan A. (Assisting Jennifer)

GM Customer Care

New2GMC · December 16, 2013

I test drove the z71 package and did notice a stiffer ride. I didn't care for it. I have pot holes and streets in disrepair all around me. It wears thin real fast to the point I'm trading in a 2500 ram for a gmc SLE. The SLE reminds me of a car ride . I'm really impressed.

Frankp · December 16, 2013

There's a z71 close by I'm going to drive and see how it goes and if I don't like it I'll find a regular package. I didn't expect there to be so few 6.2L denali's out there! There's a lot of pot holes and shoddy streets around here as well that was exactly what I was wondering about. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

Thanks for getting with me Jonathan, I was searching the inventories on the gmc site and looking around. I think the next closest available truck is about 2 hours away so I'll see how this one goes first.

redwngr · December 16, 2013

I test drove the z71 package and did notice a stiffer ride. I didn't care for it. I have pot holes and streets in disrepair all around me. It wears thin real fast to the point I'm trading in a 2500 ram for a gmc SLE. The SLE reminds me of a car ride . I'm really impressed.

Any 1500 will ride better than any 2500, z71 or not.

GTD · December 16, 2013

Ordered. 6.2Den

GTD · December 16, 2013

Ordered. 6.2 Denali 2wd with Z71 package. My roads are good here in FL, plus was told that Denali has softer suspension than regular Sierra which I didn't really want. Supposed to have bigger front sway bar, rancho shocks, plus other features. If it's a little to harsh, I'll live with it.

brentadams646 · December 16, 2013

I purchased an 2WD LTZ Silverado, and its in the shop (getting small trim piece repaired on sunroof) and now have a 2WD "Z71" LT as a loaner, and it noticeably stiffer, I prefer the ride of my LTZ.

ChrisNJ · December 16, 2013

Frank, please let us know what you 'feel'. I too will be buying one but in the Spring, and noticed the Z71 offered on the SD, and am skeptical about it. I live in the rust belt where roads are very bad.

My '07 SD rode a little harsh, my '11 was a lot better, and to the best of my knowledge GM did not officially change anything from '07 to '11.

I would rather have softer too for my aging bones.

crushNchowda · December 16, 2013

Odd that you can get the Z71 package on a 2wd model, I didn't know that.

I owned a regular suspension equipped SLT 4x4 5.3 Sierra that I traded in on a different 2014 5.3 All Terrain (realized I wanted a "sportier" all terrain model and really wanted the 3.42 rear end) and I think the Z71/off road suspension is better IMO. The ride feels more controlled and it seems to handle better, yes you do feel more road imperfections but not in a harsh way.

My $.02

brentadams646 · December 16, 2013

Odd that you can get the Z71 package on a 2wd model, I didn't know that.

I owned a regular suspension equipped SLT 4x4 5.3 Sierra that I traded in on a different 2014 5.3 All Terrain (realized I wanted a "sportier" all terrain model and really wanted the 3.42 rear end) and I think the Z71/off road suspension is better IMO. The ride feels more controlled and it seems to handle better, yes you do feel more road imperfections but not in a harsh way.

My $.02

Yep, stick in glove box says 2WD, it's different shocks, grille, skid plates, badges and A/T tires.

Frankp · December 17, 2013

I drove a sister truck today the one I was looking at wasn't in yet but it had same suspension/tires, I agree it's stiffer and you feel more bumps in the road but none I would say that were over the top. It was a great riding truck and far quieter than I expected and handles better with this suspension. I'm going to get the other truck when it comes in with the 6.2.

Thanks everybody!

GMCustomerService · December 17, 2013

There's a z71 close by I'm going to drive and see how it goes and if I don't like it I'll find a regular package. I didn't expect there to be so few 6.2L denali's out there! There's a lot of pot holes and shoddy streets around here as well that was exactly what I was wondering about. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

Thanks for getting with me Jonathan, I was searching the inventories on the gmc site and looking around. I think the next closest available truck is about 2 hours away so I'll see how this one goes first.

Hey Frankp,

Sounds good! You're very welcome. Good luck with your search. Don't hesitate to contact us if that one doesn't work out, or you're having trouble finding what you're looking for.

Jonathan A.

GM Customer Care