Jump to content

Z71 package and Towing

Steve Hougham
 Share

Recommended Posts

Steve Hougham Enthusiast

Steve Hougham

Posted
Posted

Getting ready to order 2024 3500HD SRW Silverado High Country and am wondering if I need to add the Z71 package to the truck to aid in the ride while towing a 13000 lb. 5th wheel. Do I really need that as the ride will probably be rough enough with or without it? Will have the 5th wheel prep package and the standard 20" tires.

asilverblazer Senior Enthusiast

asilverblazer

Posted
Posted

Depends more on if you like the other content of the package. Strictly ride quality speaking, I don't think it is worth it.

 

You could find a better aftermarket shock than the factory Rancho.

newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted (edited)

Z71 isn't a towing aid package.  Its Rancho shocks, skid plates and hill descent control.  

 

What you SHOULD order is either F44 heavy front spring or VYU plow prep to increase the front axle weight rating to ensure the highest payload.  

Edited by newdude
MTU Alum Enthusiast

MTU Alum

Posted
Posted

The ride is the same between Z85 and Z71.  

 

There are two packages that increase the FGAWR and front torsion bar size:  F60 Heavy Front Suspension / Camper Pkg and VYU Snow plow prep / Camper Pkg.  If you are ordering a diesel 4wd, both of these packages will give you the same 6000 lb fgawr and same torsion bar increase.  Neither of these will increase your payload.  The only benefit you may see is less pitch when stopping or starting.  Your unload ride would be worse.   I personally don't think F60 or VYU is really necessary in that weight range for fifth wheel.

 

#iworkforGM

Another JR Senior Enthusiast

Another JR

Posted
Posted

I would recommend you only buy the camper springs or snowplow package if you determine you really need it due to loading of the front axle.
 

I ordered the camper springs on my truck (400 lbs heavier FGAWR of 5600 lbs) because i was planning to install a lightweight truck camper, and wanted the flexibility to potentially get a heavier one later.  After weighing the truck with and without my pop up camper I found the camper only put 100 lbs on the front axle.  I also soon decided I would not ever get a bigger truck camper.
 

With the camper springs and no significant added load on the front axle, the front suspension response was noticeably stiffer than the rear even with the truck empty. I addition to being generally annoying, it made the front pitch up going over dips at highway speed. I spent the $600 for the standard 5200 lb springs for my model (cclb gas) and installed them myself, and it rides better and has well matched front and rear suspension response.  

64BAwagon Senior Enthusiast

64BAwagon

Posted
Posted

Although I dont have another truck to compare it to I ordered my 2021 3500 srw with the Z71 and the camper front springs. My guess would be that the unloaded ride was a little stiffer but thats not an issue for me. I grew up with the straight axle trucks in the 70's so a stiff ride doesnt bother me. I towed a 12k fifth wheel on several long trips and I thought it handled it pretty well. I dont think the heavy front springs help much with a fifth wheel though but I ordered my 2024 with them mostly for resale due to the increase in capacity. 

As far as the Z71, I bought that on both trucks due mostly to the skids plates. I have no frame of reference on the difference in the shocks between the std and the Rancho. All in all I thought it rode pretty well, so well I ordered the exact same setup on my 2024. 

  • Like 1
Dunn Senior Enthusiast

Dunn

Posted
Posted

owned both Z71 and non. makes no difference for towing.....just shocks

 

they both ride about same, i cant tell......but the ranchos are coming off soon

Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

Posted
Posted

I have the Z71 and plow and camper pack and 5er pack. I’m fine with the ride. It’s way better than my old 70’s and 80’s trucks. My 77 k1500 rode way more bouncy haha

KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted

It’s been awhile since I’ve owned a Z-71. The few I had came with 373 gears. That definitely helped with acceleration and yes towing. Of course GM is known to eventually being sticker or badge happy. While dropping the original intent of the badging. 

Pryme Senior Enthusiast

Pryme

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, KARNUT said:

It’s been awhile since I’ve owned a Z-71. The few I had came with 373 gears. That definitely helped with acceleration and yes towing. Of course GM is known to eventually being sticker or badge happy. While dropping the original intent of the badging. 

It’s rancho shocks, skid plates, hill decent control and last but certainly not least, a shiny badge. They all have 3.73’s

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

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.5k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,881
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    tararebecca
    Newest Member
    tararebecca
    Joined

  • Who's Online   0 Members, 0 Anonymous, 488 Guests (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • tararebecca
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By tararebecca · Posted

      I agree, simplicity and reliability matter more as vehicles get more complicated. A V8 work truck option with fewer electronic features and a stronger warranty would definitely appeal to a lot of buyers who use their trucks for real work. Customizing it with trusted outfitters is often the best way to get exactly what you need.webcrimsNY
    • artistemorbidity
      2026 Sierra 1500 Denali - Sound upgrade?

      By artistemorbidity · Posted

      I’ve heard similar complaints from newer vehicles where the factory “premium” systems don’t always live up to expectations. A good installer should be able to improve the sound without turning it into a bass-heavy setup. I’d look into upgrading the front speakers, adding a quality DSP amplifier, and possibly improving sound deadening first—those changes usually make a much bigger difference than just adding a subwoofer. Hopefully someone local can recommend a reputable installer in the Las Vegas/St. George area.
    • Grumpy Bear
      The Peckish Synapse

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Do you remember that Harley Davidson was more successful (solvent) when it produced about 60% of the market demand (by design) and forced wait times of up to three years? Even when your turn came around it was, "Take what we are giving you or move to the back of the line and start over". HUGE markup's were 'normalized' and dealer killed. 40% markup and no floor plan? What's not to love? Greed will kill them yet. They have surplus production and customer base is tanking. And still they think nosebleed pricing will work.  
    • newdude
      Me too……..

      By newdude · Posted

      The engine was done as part of the 6.2 recall?   You'd have to see if your VIN also has the 6.2 engine special coverage on it.  Coverage number is N252494003.  If you have this, your engine is covered under this and NOT the GM replacement part engine warranty which is 3yr/100k from the date of install.  The 3yr/100k mi warranty is in effect for non warranty purchases.     This is not any different if it was replaced under warranty without a recall or special coverage.  So if you had a 5.3 and it popped at 3 years in at 50,000mi during the 5yr/60k powertrain, the replacement engine would not get the 3yr/100k, and instead gets the remainder of the 5yr/60k as coverage.     So N252494003 gives 10 years or 150,000mi of coverage, which ever comes first, starting at the vehicle in service date.  So if your in service date is 01/01/2022, N252494003 gives you special coverage of the engine until 01/01/2032 or 150,000mi, whichever comes first.  So if your start date was 01/01/2022, you'd have left 5 years and 4 months (lets round to august 1st), or 62,000mi left of coverage.   So you need to know your in service date to know how much coverage is left.  
    • CamGTP
      Injector update

      By CamGTP · Posted

      Okiee dokie there bud, way to take things to the extreme.   I guess you missed the whole point and take things way to serious. I installed different EV6 style injectors that just so happen to be larger in my car running the same LQ4 engine and with a better spray pattern than the stock style injectors and I noticed no difference in the idle quality. Kinda was my round about way of saying that even if you put the same size but better style injectors in your truck, you will likely see the same thing.    I'm sure you're great to have conversations with in person if that's how you act through a keyboard. One little things sets you off and now I guess my dick is all up in your face.

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...