1500 Z71 Avalanche vs 1500 Z71 Silverado

[RyanZ71]

Other then the obvious super plastic coverings on the avalanche are there any mechanical differences? Any differences with fuel economy?

[dogzapper]

I've owned both. The Avalanche is based on the Suburban frame and rides like one; very smooth, but not really terriffic off-road (like into the hunting field). The Z-71 truck is a really nice light-duty truck; it will ride a little rougher than the Avalanche, but it is better for normal truck duty.

 

Soooo, basically if you want an urban cool-truck, buy an Avalanche and you will love it. Blind as a bat to the rear (which is why I sold mine), but it is a nice rig. If you want a truck toperate as a truck, buy the Z-71.

 

Both the Avalanche and the Z-71 will give the same mileage, given the same engine and rear axle ratio. If you buy the Z-71, get the 5.3 liter with the 3.73....great combination. Taht's what my 2003 was and it gave 19-20 mpg on the freeway and 13-14 around town. Personally, I consider that to be wonderful mileage for a decent-sized rig.

 

I needed more of a truck than the Z-71, so about a month ago, I bought a 2006+ Duramax/Allison Crew Cab. Excellent mileage and 650 ft/lbs of torque. I'm in LOVE.

 

Steve

[burgundyz71]

Looks like somone was lighting them up in the driveway.

[Rammer]

The Silverado XCab and 1500CC are longer (wheelbase and overall)than an Avalanche. The Avalanche has coil springs in the rear as opposed to leafs on the Silverado. Options are a little different also.

[pm26]

On-star is standard on the Avalanche, as is power driver seat, and redundant radio steering wheel buttons. I believe aluminum wheels are standard too because I never saw any model Avalanche with steel wheels. All these items are optional on Z71. You can also get a homelink transmitter on the Avalanche for about $ 100, but not with Z71, unless you buy the whole sunroof package for about $ 1,000.

[RyanZ71]

Thanks for the info folks. Rammer, I really like the looks of your truck there! Same with the big Duramax!

[jimmypsp700]

The Av is about 6" shorter than the 1500 crew cab and thats why i got mine instead of the PU, i wanted to fit it in my garage!

[Dana_15]

i wanted to fit it in my garage!

 

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Yeah my 06 CC is tight in the garage, thankfully I didn't get the 3/4 with the 6ft bed it would have been almost too much.

[70CopperZ28]

i wanted to fit it in my garage!

 

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Yeah my 06 CC is tight in the garage, thankfully I didn't get the 3/4 with the 6ft bed it would have been almost too much.

 

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Hi guys, I am new member here. Is the 1500 light duty crew cab the same wheel base as my 2000 Silverado ext cab short bed? I am asking this because my current truck just does fit in my garage and I am going to buy a 04-06 Z71 Crew Cab.

 

Thanks!

[pwall]

First, welcome to

 

Light duty crew cabs generally come with a smaller bed, thus making the trucks roughly the same in length. However, it would be best to measure the length of your garage, and then measure the actual length of the truck you're wanting to buy. ;)

[70CopperZ28]

Thanks! Yeah I was just told they are the same length so that's a plus.