What makes my Z-71 different from any 4x4??

Silverstanger · May 27, 2003

My truck has 4x4, Skid Plates, Bilstein Shocks in the rear.. and 6-lug wheels and the stickers were removed.

Are those the differences.. doesn't all 4x4s come with Skid Plates

The reason I am asking is because in my Haynes book that I bought, it shows a 4WD picture with skid plates.

Can someone list the options you get with the off-road Z-71 package please.. Besides the obvious sticker.

Thanks plenty.

steppetoe · May 27, 2003

On a pickup it's skid plates, jounce bumpers and shocks. I think that's it. The skid plates are optional on non Z71 trucks.

GnatGoSplat · May 27, 2003

I have the skid plates and jounce bumpers on my truck that are the same as the Z71. I think shocks are the only thing different, my 4x4 has blue shocks and I think Z71's have orange or red shocks.

Also, I think all Z71's are fully loaded with power windows, locks, and the Auto 4x4 electronic transfer case while many plain 4x4's have the manual transfer case with the lever in the floor.

SilveradoWV · May 27, 2003

I believe Silverstranger's is a '94 so it might have come with Bilsteins instead of the orange or red that the new ones come with. Not all Z71s are fully loaded, there are a few around here that are not. Back in '94 (if yours is a 94) I dont think there was alot of difference in a Z71 and a non 4x4 because skid plates and 265's were installed on alot of 4x4s back then. On the newer trucks I think the Z71s have a couple more skid plates than a regular 4x4, because my 4x4 just has a big plate up front. The '94 Z71s are pretty tough though, its just that the regular 4x4s got most of the options that came on a Z71, its just according to the way the dealer ordered it.

HillHound · May 28, 2003

On the newer trucks I think the Z71s have a couple more skid plates than a regular 4x4, because my 4x4 just has a big plate up front.

The '01 Silverado Z71 I owned had the same front end plate and the the only other one was a transfer case skid plate. There was no gas tank protection.

seadoons · May 28, 2003

On the newer trucks, the Z71 package can be added only to trucks that are already 4x4. It gets you three things: Skid Plates, Different shocks, and the Z71 sticker. Everything else is optional...including power windows, doorlocks and which shifting mechanism you get (floor or automatic.) Meaning, you could probably get a 4x4 base model truck and get the z71 package. What tires and rims you get are also options outside of the Z71 package. Hope this helps.

sonjaab · May 28, 2003

The skid plates on my 90 and 97 Zs were steel instead of plastic like my 94 & 01 non Zs.

Isn't there a plate over the trans. pan too?

EDIT:

DUH, Have a brochure right here:

Z-71 pkg includes , skid plate pkg. (steel), Z-71 graphics, Bilstein shocks, requires p265 tires option.

timk49 · May 28, 2003

Also, I think all Z71's are fully loaded with power windows, locks, and the Auto 4x4 electronic transfer case while many plain 4x4's have the manual transfer case with the lever in the floor.

Give me the manual floor mounted shifter any day. I just love pulling that lever back into four wheel when I need it.

seadoons · May 28, 2003

Although I agree that the manual shifting transfer case is probably more relible in the long run, a simple push of the button for me does the trick!

sirlan · May 28, 2003

requires p265 tires option.

Hmmm. Mine has 245's. I have no idea why they would do something like put 245's on but that's what it has (until I can justify buying 285's).

cowboy02 · May 28, 2003

Give me the manual floor mounted shifter any day. I just love pulling that lever back into four wheel when I need it.

I'm with Tim............. Except I'll take it 1 step further. Put the lockouts right on the wheels like in the old days. I don't like all this electronics........ 1 more thing to go wrong and you can bet when you need 4X4 your gonna want it to work. Some of the new electronics make it to where the wheels have to move before the wheels lock in. (Yes I've experienced this first hand) When your stock more then likely you aren't going to be able to get your front wheels to move or you wouldn't be stuck. In the old days you got out dug around in the mud locked in the hubs, pulled the old shifter back and went like heck...... Now days who's to say if you get out????

buffy · May 29, 2003

I've had a bad experience with the electronic switch on my 96 Tahoe. I was driving over some big rocks and tree stumps when I got high-centered. When I tried to put it in 4Hi, nothing happened. After jacking it off the tree, and getting it back home, I found out that I ripped the wiring harness to transfer case during my frolic.

Here's a note to 4wheelers out there. Take the time to check out these connections underneath. You can make some pretty simple mods to protect your wiring harnesses to avoid my experience.

Air Biscuit · May 29, 2003

They told me the difference (on a 1500) was jounce bumpers, larger shocks (46mm vs whatever I have which is definitely smaller), stickers and 265s vs 245s.

When I test drove a Z71 1500, the shocks made it ride a little firmer and it was about 1" higher in stance.

I ended up getting the regular 4X4 1500 with skid plates (for some reason that doesn't include a gas tank skid) and am quite happy with it. It does bottom out once in awhile if I hit a deep rut a little too fast. One day I'll replace the shocks and that will probably make a difference.