Jump to content

Last good z71

15 Z71

Recommended Posts

truckguy82 Senior Enthusiast

truckguy82

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, aseibel said:

I came from a 1998 K1500 WT long box non Z71. That thing rode like a truck. It felt very sure footed and had good traction in wet conditions, but I attributed that to the Cooper Discoverer A/T tires.

 

My current 2015 Z71 rides more like a car. Its very comfortable, but it is a far cry from how my old one felt. Still on factory crap tires. While I can break the rear end loose when I want to, I can also drive just fine without spinning around corners. You just need to drive like your mom or child is riding with you.

My issue was resolved the second I put on new tires.

 

I used to drive around in auto4 everytime it rained. Now I never use it. It is a normal rwd vehicle now.

 

Can confirm it’s not the truck

  • Replies 50
  • Created
  • Last Reply
15 Z71 Senior Enthusiast

15 Z71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Its great reading everyone's opinion and their thoughts on what year or years they like and did not like.

rudyb Enthusiast

rudyb

Posted
Posted
11 hours ago, amxguy1970 said:

Then you have guys down south who use it in "wet weather" so they have a reason to justify using/buying it :lol:

 

Guys that think the older trucks were better quality or overall better trucks are smoking something. I promise an old truck isn't nearly as strong as the new trucks from the beefier axles to more powerful drivetrains/transmissions. Then you have things like the rattling interiors, wind noise, creaks, groans from everything from the body to the suspension. Sure the steel bumpers might be thicker as are the body panels but those aren't the meat and potatoes of a truck...

 

All the old trucks included was a different brand of shock from today's trucks which regardless of what sentimental value the name has the new ones are superior and a metal skid plate. The skid plate isn't even used anymore except by a few people. Back then trucks were still bought to be used as trucks and the Z71 was for those who left the pavement and needed some added protection which a good amount did who bought it. Today it is an image purchase by people who never leave the pavement, what is the point of including $200 in wasted cost to the commuters? People that use it will add it as I did, and I certainly appear to be in the minority.

 

The last good Z71 was this version which was better than the one before than and then the one before that and so on.

 

Tyler

False. You know what I never had to do to my 2000 Z71? I never had to put bike tire rubber tubing on my rear leaf springs so it would quit making noise. It's a real thing on my 2016. See here 

 

I also never had to replace any injectors on my 2000. It's everywhere like a Toy Story meme with the newest gen Silverados. I also never had to pack the dash with weather stripping so it would quit rattling (write-up coming soon). I did pull trailers with it. I pulled friends out of mud holes. I pulled strangers out of snow banks. It just worked as long as I kept it fueled and lubed. Sure it didn't come standard with Apple CarPlay, but I could put 10% air on my dash vents and the other 90% on my feet if I felt the need. I could also see all gauges at once from where I was sitting without adjusting my seat or steering wheel. It quit me once at 150K when the fuel pump finally let go, but that was about it.

 

Are the latest gen Silverados nice? Sure. Achieve better fuel economy? No doubt. But, when you consider the staggering amount of bullshit that you get along with these trucks, are they considered good? I say no. I echo that the late 99 to 2006 was the last good Z71 and I don't have much hope for 2019.

ram1067 Enthusiast

ram1067

Posted
Posted
20 hours ago, 15 Z71 said:

The 3 things I miss on my 06...Thick paint,no traction control,and no AFM. Oh yeah,and I liked the push button 4wd better then the knob.

Amen brother!

ram1067 Enthusiast

ram1067

Posted
Posted
7 hours ago, rudyb said:

False. You know what I never had to do to my 2000 Z71? I never had to put bike tire rubber tubing on my rear leaf springs so it would quit making noise. It's a real thing on my 2016. See here 

 

I also never had to replace any injectors on my 2000. It's everywhere like a Toy Story meme with the newest gen Silverados. I also never had to pack the dash with weather stripping so it would quit rattling (write-up coming soon). I did pull trailers with it. I pulled friends out of mud holes. I pulled strangers out of snow banks. It just worked as long as I kept it fueled and lubed. Sure it didn't come standard with Apple CarPlay, but I could put 10% air on my dash vents and the other 90% on my feet if I felt the need. I could also see all gauges at once from where I was sitting without adjusting my seat or steering wheel. It quit me once at 150K when the fuel pump finally let go, but that was about it.

 

Are the latest gen Silverados nice? Sure. Achieve better fuel economy? No doubt. But, when you consider the staggering amount of bullshit that you get along with these trucks, are they considered good? I say no. I echo that the late 99 to 2006 was the last good Z71 and I don't have much hope for 2019.

Agree! I've owned 99,02,04,06 & now 17 and probably more to come. And now GM comes out w/10 speed trany..... good god still haven't figured out the 8 speed.....

abomination! 

Sierra Dan Senior Enthusiast

Sierra Dan

Posted
Posted

Not sure about the injectors on the early 2000's GMT 800 trucks, but my 2001 Silverado Extended Cab Z71 5.3 developed very audible " Piston Slap " at 38,000 miles.

I traded it in for my '06 Avalanche. No regrets there.

Piston slap was a common on the GMT 800.

tnchevy Senior Enthusiast

tnchevy

Posted
Posted

I have owned an 82, 92, 02, and now my 14 silverado's and hands down the best out of all of them was my 2002 model.  My 14 is a good truck but my 02 was a great truck!  After 4 years of owning my 14 I still regret letting my 02 go.  It was a black, extended cab Z71 that came with thick skidplates, 4x4 shifter on the floor, 4.8 V8 mated up to 4 speed trans with 4.10 gears.  No it didn't have the power my 14 does nor the quiet cab but the 4 speed trans shifted much better and never gave me any problems the whole 12 years 130k miles I owned it.  Never had to replace or repair any major parts, averaged 19 mpg, and was a joy to drive.  Got rid of it because she started rusting out.  Wish I would've just fixed the rust and got another 12 years out of it!  I really like my 14 but didn't realize how good of a truck I had in my 2002 till I bought my new one.  

rudyb Enthusiast

rudyb

Posted
Posted
23 minutes ago, tnchevy said:

I have owned an 82, 92, 02, and now my 14 silverado's and hands down the best out of all of them was my 2002 model.  My 14 is a good truck but my 02 was a great truck!  After 4 years of owning my 14 I still regret letting my 02 go.  It was a black, extended cab Z71 that came with thick skidplates, 4x4 shifter on the floor, 4.8 V8 mated up to 4 speed trans with 4.10 gears.  No it didn't have the power my 14 does nor the quiet cab but the 4 speed trans shifted much better and never gave me any problems the whole 12 years 130k miles I owned it.  Never had to replace or repair any major parts, averaged 19 mpg, and was a joy to drive.  Got rid of it because she started rusting out.  Wish I would've just fixed the rust and got another 12 years out of it!  I really like my 14 but didn't realize how good of a truck I had in my 2002 till I bought my new one.  

Man, I know those feels. I think about trying to buy mine back almost everyday. Mine was still in good shape. I have a feeling that regret will get worse as these trucks become more thrashed out and left to rust in a pasture.

Mileguru Enthusiast

Mileguru

Posted
Posted
15 hours ago, rudyb said:

but I could put 10% air on my dash vents and the other 90% on my feet if I felt the need.

And remember how you could use the AC for all of the years that you owned it instead of worrying if this will be the day that your condenser fails?

rudyb Enthusiast

rudyb

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, Bubbles said:

I rather like my 2018.

I've heard the 18's address a lot of the issues. I visited a small dealer with the intention of test driving a 2018 double cab, but they had a company place a fleet order so they didn't have any available. I can only imagine the 18s use the same injectors that the rest of these gens use.

15 Z71 Senior Enthusiast

15 Z71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I will say my friend bought an 18 crew cab z71,and I can say it rides so much nicer then my 15 Sierra double cab z71. The Ranchos on mine are so stiff and ridged. They had to have changed them on the 18's to ride a lot better. I was amazed how good it road compared to mine.

Jchoi Enthusiast

Jchoi

Posted
Posted

I read these threads, and I get a little apprehensive. This is my first GM truck after buying multiple Honda’s, and I love it so far.  Gosh, I just hope I don’t have all the issues people report having. I really do enjoy my 18 cc. 

SierraHD17 Senior Enthusiast

SierraHD17

Posted
Posted

I own a multitude of GMT800 trucks (4 currently) then a 15 half ton that I sold out of disgust and a current 17 HD 6 liter.  I like the 17.. it's nice and I have no desire to get rid of it which for me says something.  That said is it a better truck than say my 05 1500HD... not a chance in hell.  Beyond some amenities I can easily add to the 05 there is nothing I can say is actually better with the 2017. My 200000 mile original, never rebuilt and tuned 4L80e in the 05 still has more positive firm shifts than my tuned 20000 mile 6L90e in the 17.... and that trucks freak of an LQ4 will skull drag that L96 hands down.  I still daily the 05 for my business versus the 17.  Even if the 05 rusts  away, well, at least it's not built out of tin foil lol.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • XY74
      Roll up bed cover experiences

      By XY74 · Posted

      I have a Retrax pro that I first had on my 2020 chevy and transferred it to my current GMC.  It stays in the garage most of the time, so hard for me to judge it's long term weather resistance.  It still works perfectly, been very durable.  It doesn't see oil patch usage, but it's not a mall queen.  It keeps most things mostly dry (small leaks) and the security of it is enough to slow someone down but not keep them out for long.  I would buy one again, it works for me.     
    • fm2176
      New to Me 2010 SLE (Quirks, Issues)

      By fm2176 · Posted

      Thanks to the convenience of Amazon, I was able to get a few things done to the truck today.  I installed Carquest Premium oil and air filters with five quarts of Mobil1 High Mileage 10-30 along with a quart of Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 I already had.  The latch for the flip up center console lid was broken so I replaced it along with the power mirror switch.  I found my push retainer assortment this morning and reattached the plastic under the bumper and it was only held on with a few screws and retainers.  Then I programmed a new remote keyless entry fob so I can lock my dog in the truck when I take her out with me (I've got to keep the air going for her since it's been in the 100s).  Finally, I ordered some LED interior bulbs and replaced the reading lamps.  The front lights are working fine while one of the back lights only works intermittently and the other not at all.   While under the truck, I found the source of at least one of the noises: the sway bar links need replacing.  I ordered a set of Suspension Dudes links with Code Red bushings.  Never heard of them, but they're made in the USA and have decent reviews.  While making yet another Amazon order, I went ahead and added a set of front tow hooks.  I went with red, since that's the color of the sway bar link and bushings and it should look decent enough on a black and chrome truck.  Speaking of which, it doesn't bug me much, but the passenger side mirror has a chrome cap while the driver side doesn't, so eventually I'll make them match one way or another.  Oh, and I ordered a $20 TPMS reset tool.  No idea if it will do anything for my sensors but it was cheap and will work for the Ford Transit Connect as well.     For tradition's sake, I ordered a new oil change wrench.  I kept the Snap-On 9/16"x15mm GM wrench I bought when I was 18 in the 2006 GMC from the time I bought that truck until the truck was lost.  While I was tempted, there's no need to spend $80 for a new SO wrench, or even $50 with shipping for a used one on Ebay.  I just bought a Duratech 15mm extra-long ratcheting wrench to do the job as needed.  It works, and if I like that wrench enough, I'll buy the set.  
    • Another JR
      Multigate electrical problem

      By Another JR · Posted

      The recall is for exactly this issue - those drain holes combined with the limited environmental capability of the tailgate electronics card inside the tailgate were a problem. The “safety issue” was the potential for the tailgate to spontaneously open, but all kinds of tailgate misbehavior can occur from water contamination of that control card.    There is no real fix yet. The initial recall just disabled the tailgate. Later, when parts became available, they would replace bad parts with new parts of the same bad design. My dealer is going nuts because the few times I let them get their hands on my truck, my tailgate is off due to a slide-in camper installation. They really want to cut my tailgate wires, but I won’t give them the chance. I will let them get their dirty hands on it when a real fix (redesign) is available.  My tailgate, which works just fine with sealant plugging the drain holes, will remain safe in a dry storage crate until then.  
    • JakeD
      Tire fitment

      By JakeD · Posted

      Yes your absolutely right, I been looking at the 4 inch BDS one and it acutely states you can use the stock 20’s just not the 17’s or 18’s, I also didn’t realize that with my 275/60r20 stock wheels I’m already running 33 inch diameter wheel setup lol so I can just run my stock wheels and tires atleast to start.
    • davester
      Tire fitment

      By davester · Posted

      I would expect that to be lift-kit dependent.  If the kit has interference issues w stock wheels, then the kit/manufacturer should indicate that somewhere.

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...