Z71

[Z71-cummins]

Im looking at used Z71s and believe i want a 98 version cause it has the old body style. Which Z71 is the mos popular here and have there been any problems with them liek engine or tran wise.

[Elwood 2000]

The C/K style (pre-99) and the Silverado/Sierra style (99-current) are really two different trucks. On the current models, they made a LOT of improvements. I have a 2000 model and have had no major probems at all. Only a couple minor problems. One thing that I like about the current style is a larger cab and a usable back seat in extended cab models. Kids and shorter adults can actually sit back there for a little while. The interior is quieter, less squeeks and rattles with age (mine with 91k has NONE), and I feel a nicer ride with better handling. While many prefer the 5.7 over the 5.3, the 5.3 will be more efficient and personally, I like the drivability of the 5.3, especially with a Westers tune.

 

Just my thoughts. I do like the C/K styling a lot, but I think the 99-02 models are the best looking.

 

 

It is really up to you! Good luck with what you decide!

[asilverblazer]

I would prefer the Old Body Style for the price, and the 5.7L had more torque in my opinion better for towing. Keep in mind the Z-71 is only skid plates, shocks, and stickers, etc... So if you plan on putting new shocks, lift, then you paid extra $$$ for that pretty sticker. If I had it to do again, old body style 4X4 no "Z-71" and spend the money on better things like superchargers and swamppers.

[mcreyaufmiller]

The OBS V-8's have a problem with blowing intake gaskets that cause Anti-Freeze leakage and the 4L60E has a few weak points that can be easily fixed with a shift kit. Other than that, I love my OBS and refuse to trade it for the fugly new ones.

[RyanbabZ71]

If I had it to do again, old body style 4X4 no "Z-71" spend the money on better things like superchargers and swamppers.

 

Show me a supercharger or some swampers for $395 and I am in.

[01z71]

I have both a '98 and a '01. They both have their pros and cons.

 

Off Road I prefer the '98 -- no fog lights to worry about breaking. The '98 is slightly smaller which is good for space in the garage. I like the pull out of the dash drink holder. I also like the fact that the rear seat back flips down.

 

I have had the infamous intake gasket leak, I have gotten to replace the trans., & replaced the fuel pump. But, it has been a great truck. It has 151,000 on the clock.

 

My '01 on the other hand has 42,000 and has also been a great truck. It does not see that much use. I really don't use it as a truck at all. I do like the fact the inside is slightly bigger. I like the way everything is laid out. I don't off road in it but do run the 4WD to keep everything lubed up. It has had the nickel plated slip yoke TSB done. Other than that no problems. It does seem to sit lower to the ground so I would never go serious off road with it. It is a lot smoother on the road.

 

So basically two different truck each with their own pros and cons.

[Raymond Lowe]

Styling is a personal preference. There are no "better years".

 

Z71 is a package consisting of a few options that are otherwise available. Let's call it what it really is; a marketing tool designed to stimulate interest in the buying public.

 

That said, my large Z71 decals are way cool compared to those dinky ones on the newer trucks

[Elwood 2000]

In all honesty, it is sad that there has to be a decal on the bed of a truck to be able to tell at a glance if it is a 4x4 or not.

 

A guy in town has a truck that is a twin to mine, color and all, except that his is a 2wd and mine is a 4wd. Before I put larger tires on, side by side, his only sat 2 inches lower than mine did. My factory 265's were at least an inch taller than his factory 245's, so I saw no real difference.

 

Call me old and gray, but I remember the day when you KNEW if a truck was a 4x4 at a glance, right off the showroom floor!

[asilverblazer]

If I had it to do again, old body style 4X4 no "Z-71" spend the money on better things like superchargers and swamppers.

 

Show me a supercharger or some swampers for $395 and I am in.

 

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I was implying the savings in an older truck as compared to a newer one.