GM 1500s..features you would include...

[HillHound]

I've had my 1500 Z71 for a year now and I've spent some time thinking of some equipment I'd include or make available on 1/2 tons if I was pulling the springs at GM.  Here's a few:

 

Bigger gas tank.  A 31 gallon would be nice.

 

Speaking of gas tanks-a skid plate under it would make me happy.

 

Rear-diff locker that you could on/off via a switch in the cab.

 

Make 17" wheels available for the Z71 option.

 

Make flares standard with the Z71 option.  Why not?

 

More storage compartments in the cab.  Maybe a toolbox in the floor under the rear seat.

 

Offer the 6.0L as an option for the 1500 chassis. Don't put any external markings to indicate which engine is under the hood!!  Imagine the Ford guys and Tundra morons trying to decide whether or not to challenge you at the next stop light!  Kinda like playing Russian roulette.  They might be racing anything from a V6 up to a 300hp V8 LOL!!

 

Crank that front end up somehow to get an extra 2" of ground clearance under the front skid plate.  Combined with 17" wheels this would give some decent front end GC!  I twisted the torsion bars until I had 10.5" under the lowest place on my truck's front skid.

 

Also, I like manual trannys and solid front axles and manual trans case shifters etc but those days are gone or going fast so no use whining about that kind of stuff.   dang though...I do miss a clutch & manual shifter in my hand when I'm driving... ???

 

Let's hear it...

[MountaineerTom]

-At least 285's for the Z71's (something to set it apart)

 

-Fender flares would be a nice addition to all 4x4's

 

-Trip computer (i like gadgets   )

 

-I like the idea of a larger fuel tank and skid plate as well.

 

-I wish the '99's had the temperature in the mirror instead of a compass.  I don't need no stinkin' compass!  

 

-Better foglights, that don't shake.

 

 

That's all I can thinkof right now.  I'll add some later if I think of any more.

 

Even without those things, I'm very satisfied with my truck.  

[THE BIGPUNN]

i think the side windows should be electric, and a rear slider window w/defrost should be included, a locking tailgate, i agree about a temp guage instead of a compass, a fuel mileage guage. i guess i miss my vette. that thing had more gadgets than a fighter jet! by the way, i think those C3 rimms should be an option.

[MountaineerTom]

Oh yeah, Tranny temp gauge on the 1500's (without 6.0), especially if you have the HD towing package.

[chevy4x4trucks]

I say just build the fox racing concept silverado

[RyanbabZ71]

Z71 pkg should include

 

1. Larger tires (kinda make it like the ZR2 S-10).  

2. Flares (they are an option so i guess thats ok)

3. slight lift.  Maybe a 2-3" suspension lift from factory

4. Better shocks (bilstein or ranchos like on the fx4 option from ford)

 

Other options id like

 

1. power sunroof (factory dont want aftermarket.) I love this option in my moms 00 blazer.  This would probably make me buy a new truck if they added it soon.

2. upgraded sound system from factory

3. dump IFS.  Stronger from axle.

4. trans temp gauge would be nice

5. larger fuel tank would be a plus.  maybe 30-40?

 

HMMM Maybe ill build my own "dream" truck.  Its close

[Import Hater]

I love gadgets too.  Some things they could just take from other vehicles on the GMT800 platform such as:

 

A 6-disc cd changer instead of the tape deck

Trip computer

Dimming outside mirror with puddle lamps

Quarasteer (but that looks like it's happening)

 

And then here's some wishful thinking:

 

HID lights

DVD-based Navigation ($400 a year for OnStar?  Screw that!)

Radio ant. integrated into the rear window

Bigger gas tank

And maybe a baby-Duramax?

 

 

Rob

[Kansas Kid]

I'm not 100% sure here, but you guys do know that you could get a larger gas tank and a metal skid plate for the gas tank if you would order a longbed, right?    (not sure about the skid plate on the 1500's, but the 2500Hd longbeds have them)

 

Now with that said, I do think the shortbed trucks would benefit from a slightly larger gas tank.  Maybe around 30 gallons.  The Z71 option should come with the 9.5" 14 bolt rear end, same front end as used now (absolutely no need for SFA on a 1500), some sort of locker front and rear, manual shift T-case only, LT255/85R16 aggresive tread tires on 16" rims, (anything larger rim wise defeats the purpose of this being a offroad package), 4.10 gears standard with 4.56 as options, skid plates, fender flares standard, and some well tuned off-road shocks.

 

All the 1500's should come with a tranny temp gauge, and the option for a manual transmission on all engine and cab configurations.  Engines should include the 4.2 I6, 4.8 V8, 5.3 V8 and a baby Duramax (probably a 4.9V6 if the Dmax is of modular design).  Had some other ideas, but I forgot them so this is enough for now.  LOL

[MountaineerTom]

I'm not 100% sure here, but you guys do know that you could get a larger gas tank and a metal skid plate for the gas tank if you would order a longbed, right?    

Well, I knew, I was refering to the shortbeds.  

[NewbieZ71]

Trip Computer.....tailgate lock....and a chrome cargo bed extender/holder.......

[pacodiablo]

add:

some nicer looking rims

a monochrome package

a 350 crate motor

 

take away:

the side trim

the ugly rims

some of the chrome (looks a bit gaudy on some models)

[HillHound]

Paco;  I can agree with you on a one-color sports package.  Personally, I like chrome trim but I always liked  Dodge's sport package with the body color matched bumpers and grill.   I would'nt buy it, but I would say "that looks d@mn good" when I saw one on the road!      

[alsz71]

I've got the auto dimming  inside mirror.  Why didn't they do the exterior ones too ????

[Stepside Z]

If GM really wanted to improve on the Z71 package they could do the following:

Larger fuel tank and skid plate.

BFG 285s

Bilstein HD Shocks

SFA (Dana 44 or bigger) with a locker and real front hubs

6.0 Liter

2' higher

Tranny temp gauge in all trucks

Stronger rear axle

[THE BIGPUNN]

guys, excuse me! how about a designated GM driver? i still got a little bit o vadka in me!