Jump to content

Custom Trail Boss vs LT Z71 (or Custom vs regular LT)

AJMBLAZER
 Share

Recommended Posts

AJMBLAZER Enthusiast

AJMBLAZER

Posted
Posted

Looking at crew cab short bed 4x4’s with the V8’s. I just can’t wrap my head around not having low range so it’ll either be a Z71 or a Trail Boss. 

 

Been watching prices and I’m seeing Custom Trail Boss trucks starting to get close to the prices of the LT.  As in within a grand or even less.

 

Anyone bought a Custom and regret it?  I have a 2011 Silverado 1500 4x4 and my wife has a 2017 Yukon 4x4. Both have the 6L80 transmission and hers has the Ecotec 5.3 V8. Very happy with that engine and transmission combo and even with less power my ‘11 moves and drives well with the 3.42 gears. 

Will I miss anything with a Custom instead of a regular LT Z71?  6 spd vs 8 spd? Gas mileage? Something else?

OnTheReel Senior Enthusiast

OnTheReel

Posted
Posted

I don’t own a Custom, but lack of interior storage is the biggest complaint I’ve seen of the Custom trim level. Interior in general is a sore spot, at least in my opinion. Everything is functional...just don’t compare to the Yukon, or even your 2011 in certain aspects, or you’ll be really sad.

 

The LT is much better equipped and the interior trimmings are much nicer feeling and better to look at.

 

I guess if you care more about outside appearances maybe the Custom is better, but otherwise the LT has it beat in my opinion. The LT should also get better mileage with Dynamic Fuel Management and the 8 speed.

 

I’m sure you’d be happy with either, but I would recommend spending some seat time in both to see what’s more important to you.

HondaHawkGT Senior Enthusiast

HondaHawkGT

Posted
Posted (edited)

They gimped the CTB's interior. The DIC looks like its 10 years old, the center fold down seat is only an arm rest (no storage bin in it), and there are more hard plastics. The steering wheel isn't leather wrapped like the higher trims. The best option would have been an LT or RST with the Trail Boss suspension kit but GM couldn't have guys finding cheaper ways to get a TB suspension setup, so they won't allow the kit to be installed on an LT o̶r̶ ̶R̶S̶T̶ if it has the L84 5.3 in it. It's all really really annoying.

Edited by HondaHawkGT
econometrics Senior Enthusiast

econometrics

Posted
Posted (edited)

One small thing to note is the Ranchos on the Z71s are twin-tube. The Ranchos on the Trail Boss Z71 are better, monotubes. 

 

I love the new LEDs front lights on the LT and up trims. I personally think I would be disappointed with a Custom interior, too. But I’ve always had an LT2 or better interior on my Silverado so I am biased. 

Edited by econometrics
Clarification / typo fix
AJMBLAZER Enthusiast

AJMBLAZER

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks guys. I put 20,000 miles a year on my vehicle so I’ll go for the more comfortable interior. 

 

Suspension I can upgrade myself. Interior’s harder. Any factory shocks are just waiting for Bilsteins to replace them. 

newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted (edited)
7 hours ago, HondaHawkGT said:

They gimped the CTB's interior. The DIC looks like its 10 years old, the center fold down seat is only an arm rest (no storage bin in it), and there are more hard plastics. The steering wheel isn't leather wrapped like the higher trims. The best option would have been an LT or RST with the Trail Boss suspension kit but GM couldn't have guys finding cheaper ways to get a TB suspension setup, so they won't allow the kit to be installed on any LT or RST if it has the 5.3 in it. Nope gotta buy the premium priced LT TB to get that. It's all really really annoying.

 

GM Trail Boss suspension upgrade package from Chevrolet Accessories is restricted as follows:

 

THE 2-INCH SUSPENSION LIFT CANNOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FOLLOWING CHEVROLET VEHICLES:

  • All Regular Cab trucks
  • All GM plant-built lifted trucks (Z7X), including Trail Boss and Trail Boss Custom
  • All Enhanced Towing-equipped trucks (NHT)
  • All Snow Plow Prep-equipped trucks (VYU)
  • Trucks with a composite rear leaf spring
  • Chevrolet LT Trim with 5.3L V8 (L84) Engine
  • Chevrolet LT Trim, 2WD, Crew Cab, short bed with 3.0L Turbo Diesel (LM2) engine and Z85 suspension

THE 2-INCH SUSPENSION LIFT CANNOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FOLLOWING GMC VEHICLES:

  • All Regular Cab trucks
  • All Plant-built lifted trucks (Z7X), including the Next-Gen 2019 Sierra AT4
  • All Mag-Ride trucks (Z45): Denali
  • All Enhanced Towing-equipped trucks (NHT)
  • All Snow Plow Prep-equipped trucks (VYU)

 

So, you can put it on almost any Double or Crew cab, in WT, Custom, RST, LTZ and High Country trim, with the 4.3, 5.3 L82, 5.3 L83, 3.0 LM2 Duramax and 6.2 L87, so long as you have none of the configurations above. 

Edited by newdude
  • Like 1
jlong1984 Enthusiast

jlong1984

Posted
Posted

LT all day. No way I could live with the cheap plastic interior in the Custom. 

  • Like 1
  • 2 weeks later...
Snuff Enthusiast

Snuff

Posted
Posted
On 4/27/2019 at 8:03 AM, econometrics said:

One small thing to note is the Ranchos on the Z71s are twin-tube. The Ranchos on the Z71 are better, monotubes. 

 

I love the new LEDs front lights on the LT and up trims. I personally think I would be disappointed with a Custom interior, too. But I’ve always had an LT2 or better interior on my Silverado so I am biased. 

Please clarify your statement on shocks. I am looking at a RST Z71. What shocks will it come with? Good it bad?

HondaHawkGT Senior Enthusiast

HondaHawkGT

Posted
Posted
On 4/27/2019 at 9:29 AM, newdude said:

 

GM Trail Boss suspension upgrade package from Chevrolet Accessories is restricted as follows:

 

THE 2-INCH SUSPENSION LIFT CANNOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FOLLOWING CHEVROLET VEHICLES:

  • All Regular Cab trucks
  • All GM plant-built lifted trucks (Z7X), including Trail Boss and Trail Boss Custom
  • All Enhanced Towing-equipped trucks (NHT)
  • All Snow Plow Prep-equipped trucks (VYU)
  • Trucks with a composite rear leaf spring
  • Chevrolet LT Trim with 5.3L V8 (L84) Engine
  • Chevrolet LT Trim, 2WD, Crew Cab, short bed with 3.0L Turbo Diesel (LM2) engine and Z85 suspension

THE 2-INCH SUSPENSION LIFT CANNOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FOLLOWING GMC VEHICLES:

  • All Regular Cab trucks
  • All Plant-built lifted trucks (Z7X), including the Next-Gen 2019 Sierra AT4
  • All Mag-Ride trucks (Z45): Denali
  • All Enhanced Towing-equipped trucks (NHT)
  • All Snow Plow Prep-equipped trucks (VYU)

 

So, you can put it on almost any Double or Crew cab, in WT, Custom, RST, LTZ and High Country trim, with the 4.3, 5.3 L82, 5.3 L83, 3.0 LM2 Duramax and 6.2 L87, so long as you have none of the configurations above. 

 

Yep I misinterpreted the restrictions earlier. I thought it was a more widespread restrictions against trims with the L84 5.3. It still sucks that they won't allow it on an LT trim but I get why. They want you to pay for a slightly more expensive trims than an LT. 

  • Like 1
econometrics Senior Enthusiast

econometrics

Posted
Posted (edited)
27 minutes ago, Snuff said:

Please clarify your statement on shocks. I am looking at a RST Z71. What shocks will it come with? Good it bad?

RST (or LTZ) Z71 Ranchos are not as good as the Trail Boss Z71 Ranchos. 

 

RST Z71 will be twin-tube. 

Edited by econometrics
Snuff Enthusiast

Snuff

Posted
Posted

Thanks!

What would be your suggested replacement shock in the RST Z71?

It sounds like Bilstein does not offer any 5100 for the 2019.

  • 1 year later...
rcknthstwn New Member

rcknthstwn

Posted
Posted

Hey guys, I am new here. I picked up a 2020 Silverado LT 5.3 Z71 on Memorial Day.

 

I have been wanting to do the 2" Factory Lift but was discouraged when I saw excerpt above.

 

However I recently noticed 2 new part numbers for the Lift Kit

 

PN: 84768243 - 4WD Lift Kit

PN: 84768245 - Leaf Springs

 

Is this something Chevy did to allow the lift kit to be installed on the LT with the L84?

 

Just wanted to hear your thoughts on this, thanks in advance!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Grumpy Bear
      The Peckish Synapse

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/what-makes-this-1963-ford-falcon-red-rocket-special/vi-AA2asoRz?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=be9c1b4f79ff4211c526abd60f6da012&ei=16
    • Atlas
      Wow I'm in a pickle. (Broke down truck) and a story.

      By Atlas · Posted

      True. My statement needs qualification. "For a shade tree mechanic, re-assembling the front engine to achieve a rough baseline timing of 0 degrees, as is approximated and indicated by common visual indicator mark alignment, measured with a human eye capable of 20/20 vision *with correction, I am reasonably confident that I have followed the outlined procedures/ prescribed methods for verifying baseline timing."   😉   In the end, the computer sets the timing, it's continuously variable based on sensor input, and the distributor only has a degree or two of physical adjustability intended for dialing in the final setting for cam ****** once everything is back together. But even that final value is acceptable within, I believe, +/- 3 degrees.   I thought my exhaust project was going to be a bear. To my surprise, the old clamps came right off last night, and I was able to unbolt all the hangers instead of having to muscle the rubber mounts. The old cat is ready to slip off the factory y-pipe. The rest is ready to come out with one or two cuts, and I've got a fresh blade waiting. I love living where rust isn't a thing.    
    • Bloody Marty
      PF63 Oil Filters Going Away?

      By Bloody Marty · Posted

      I work at a Chevrolet dealership & hear it all believe me.  Just reads like there's going to be a fist fight over filters.  Can't get enough, continue!!
    • Chuck FB
      Tire psi

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      I just can't think of the exact term GM uses for that higher gvw package without looking at the website but basically sort of a trailering package and I imagine it may also have been created to skirt around the licensing fee differences between a3/4 and 1 ton that apply in some states although ironically I believe in some states its the reverse that a 1 ton is the cheaper truck to license over a 3/4 ton. It makes no difference here in Alberta but oddly enough a 1 ton through my insurance company is a bit cheaper to insure over a 3/4 ton as its based on the insurance statistics they generate.    For sure when ever you do have the chance to weigh your truck and to be fair, try to have the fuel tank full or nearly so rather than give yourself a false sense of the truck being lighter by having an almost empty tank.    In my other comment I was mentioning stock sized tires and partly in case someone was reading this and thinking they could lower their pressure down to what your aftermarket tires are able to do with your empty truck as that is a vastly different picture in the leeway you have to play with for running minimum pressures while remaining safe. I will say also that its easy to see from reactions of truck owners that may have been more used to owning a half ton in the past or a car and be it on a forum like this or in person etc that they get so wrapped up in that placard pressure sticker that they can't get their head wrapped around the fact that an HD truck due to how much it can carry can also vary the tire pressures drastically lower than those pressures ( typically more so for the rear axle on stock sized tires ) when empty vs some car that isn't made to carry much so the tire pressures can't be lowered since it needs almost that much pressure just to carry the empty car.    If I ever do find myself in the states with this truck, I will only be too happy to switch it over to the US measuring system as then I will understand all the dash readings. The only thing that is off for me slightly with US measurements is US miles per gallon as I grew up with the Imperial gallon and to this day up here anyway speak in Imperial miles per gallon ( I don't do that on this forum though as that would confuse everyone for no good reason ). 
    • jgaudet99
      Tire psi

      By jgaudet99 · Posted

      Yes that's right, it's the upgrade that includes the overload spring and all that stuff.   Someday when I'm empty and going by a scale I'm going to stop in and get some weight readings.   Exactly  you should have the ability to change individual settings, in in Canada so I'm driving with kph but then I'm stuck with kpa when I want psi lol    

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...