1998 Chevy Z71

[OUMike]

I'm lookin' to get a new truck here pretty soon, and all the nicer ones that I'm seeing are Z71.

 

What is the major difference in MPG between a Silverado LS 2WD and a Silverado Z71 that is in 2WD mode? With the extra differential and extra weight I figure no more than a few MPG.

 

Anyone??

 

Thanks.

[Peter_C]

It is probably about 2 mpg difference as a guesstimate. Using 15,000 miles a year as a baseline and fuel at $2.10 a gallon. If you figure a 4wd gets 15 mpg average and a 2wd gets 16 mpg average. Then you would see a cost difference over a year of $131.25. Nothing substantial, but then when you factor in cheaper insurance rates, less maintence/breakage, etc. there are some larger cost savings. 2wd trucks also have a higher tow rating, and with a limited slip rear end do better than a 4wd pulling loads.

[asilverblazer]

It is probably about 2 mpg difference as a guesstimate. Using 15,000 miles a year as a baseline and fuel at $2.10 a gallon. If you figure a 4wd gets 15 mpg average and a 2wd gets 16 mpg average. Then you would see a cost difference over a year of $131.25. Nothing substantial, but then when you factor in cheaper insurance rates, less maintence/breakage, etc. there are some larger cost savings. 2wd trucks also have a higher tow rating, and with a limited slip rear end do better than a 4wd pulling loads.

 

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My insurance is the same for a 2wd or 4wd, company figures a 4wd is safer in the snow.

 

As for maintenance changing the front differential fluid is the only thing major I can think of which isn't time consuming or expensive (less than 50$ a year).

 

I know the 4wd will weigh a couple hundred pounds more but will that make significant difference when towing, especially if the 4wd has lower gears than a 2wd, which is not uncommon?

 

I had a 2wd and a 4wd I will never again go back to a 2wd, the 4wd is priceless when you are stuck in your 2wd and mine pulls better too, either from higher spring rates or larger (Z-71) shocks.

 

Just my .02$

[Peter_C]

Well you forgot about the transfer case needing fluid changes, CV boots needing replacement, front driveshaft, brakes working harder to stop the rotating mass, etc. In CA where I live 2wd vs 4wd does make a difference on your insurance at least when I last checked. As to your comment of a 4wd pulling better than tell us why most serious tow rigs are 2wd? On that note I own a K2500 and a C1500, both have their places. Buy what you need, not what you don't need, unless you can afford it

[MoJo]

I guess I'm too logical. 1st question is; do you need a 4x4? Here is SE MO, the answer for us was Yes! And I have been saved by it on more than one occasion. Other than the guys on this board, the average person who buys a 4x4 doesn't know how to drive them in 4wd anyway. It is NOT a 'cure-all' for messy conditions unless you know what not to do!

As far as maint. Our truck has 96k and the CV joints are OE and not causing a problem or making any noise.

Gas mileage is at least 2 if not 3 mpg worse, but that difference is as much a factor of the gearing and weight as anything. Ours is an extended cab and has 3.73s (whatever) which is actually bad for mileage Vs 4.11s! The engine is always lugging and it doesn't take much of a hill to force the TC to un-lock, a little more grade and the tranny downshifts. 4.11s would allow the engine to work less! the 3.73s are not well suited for towing over 1,000 lbs at all.

Other than those factors, which are NOT a big issue for us, we love the truck! Visability is better with the 4x4 'cause you are higher. The ride is exceptionally comfortable as well. Long trips are easy on the back!

[asilverblazer]

Well you forgot about the transfer case needing fluid changes, CV boots needing replacement, front driveshaft, brakes working harder to stop the rotating mass, etc. In CA where I live 2wd vs 4wd does make a difference on your insurance at least when I last checked. As to your comment of a 4wd pulling better than tell us why most serious tow rigs are 2wd? On that note I own a K2500 and a C1500, both have their places. Buy what you need, not what you don't need, unless you can afford it 

 

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Serious tow rigs yes, I, however use my truck more than a tow rig, I use it to get me through snow and mud, and to me when those times are at hand if I had sacrificed an insignifacnt (in my case) amount of pay load or towing capacity, then it was well worth it. So far my expenses for maintenance, gas mileage, breakage, and initial cost, have been justified in my opinion. I agree that you should buy what you need. I'm just putting another opinion out to help others decide what they need and what they may not.

[OUMike]

Thanks for the replies fellas...

 

No..I really don't need 4x4. I live in SW Texas and it never snows, and I do my best to stay out of the mud. It just so happens that this truck is a Z71, and the price is right. They wan't $11,900 for a 1998 Silverado Z71. The truck is loaded with every option and has 98k miles. I blue booked it at over $13,500.

 

Since I posted origianlly I've replaced the water pump in my 1994 and its running great. I think I may wait a little bit longer before I decide to get a new pickup. My 1994 is my first truck, and I bought it, so there is definatly sentimental value there. Who knows..I might drive this Z, and fall in love.

 

Thanks for the help.

[macifre]

Man do I miss my old truck! 1996 Sierra ExCab Z71, If I were in your shoes I´d consider buying the truck you checked out. for my taste it is the best combo in all of recent GM trucks. I got $6200 for mine about 6 months ago, yeah that's right, down here in central america the american trucks loose value fast, the market only appreciates japanese trucks (4cyl or diesel) but I do not!! Anyway I wish you the best in finding your new ride, its always hard to let the old one go....

 

 

[OUMike]

Man do I miss my old truck! 1996 Sierra ExCab Z71, If I were in your shoes I´d consider buying the truck you checked out. for my taste it is the best combo in all of recent GM trucks. I got $6200 for mine  about 6 months ago, yeah that's right, down here in central america the american trucks loose value fast, the market only appreciates japanese trucks (4cyl or diesel) but I do not!!  Anyway I wish you the best in finding your new ride, its always hard to let the old one go....

 

 

 

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Yea...I went and actually looked at it in person yesterday. The idiot at the dealership told me they want $16,000!! When in reality I was quoted $11,900 over the phone and now the website (www.roncarter.com, go to used search and Chevy K1500...should be the only white one.) has $12,650 or something like that.

 

The truck...

The truck is very clean. The seats are nearly perfect and both AC and Heater worked great. The engine compartment is in great shape and the paint looks new. The tires I think are larger than stock (285-75-16) but look like they got about 10k or so left in em. The radiator had plastic tanks and a new cap on it, so I assumed the radiator was new. The only two beefs that I had with the truck were 1) the sunglasses compartment overhead was broke. It looked like he opened it and it hung up or something so he just pulled on it and broke the arms...no biggie probably a cheap part. 2) the hood pop was broke. It would work , but the braket that held it against the plastic was broke and you could pull the whole thing out... How in the hell does that happen? Wierd. Other than those two things the truck looked like it was in great shape. He really didin't want me to leave the lot without it. I feel like it should be easy to get them off their asking price. I'm just a punk 20 year old and I felt like I had him in the palm of my hand. When I switched into 4x4 mode it sounded smooth and overall the truck I didn't think had been abused. I'm gonna car fax it here pretty soon and see what the title looks like. My dad is now trying to convince me to get a car... , but I promised him I'd check out a couple Grand Prixs...

 

Thanks for the help everyone...