2000 Z71/Z85 Difference

BlitherinIdiot · March 24, 2006

New member here with a quick question. I just purchased a 2000 K1500 Regular Cab SB with 48,000 miles. The truck was advertised by the dealer as a Z71. After finding this site and searching the RPO list I have learned that the truck is actually a Z85 and not a Z71. I'm a bit upset about this but realize it is my fault for believing the dealer and a sticker.

Could one of you tell me the difference between the Z71 package and the Z85 package? Is there a ride height difference between the two for the 2000 model year? Can I still add 285/75/16's with only a torsion bar adjustment?

Thanks in advance for the information.

Chris

sbatzold · March 24, 2006

From RPO Codes

Z85, Chassis Package; high payload Firm ride

Z71 Chassis Package; Off Road

I think the Z71 might be the skid plates, shocks and such. The Z85 might be heavier springs.

freakyt · March 24, 2006

Z71 has different shocks than the Z85 too.

Also, Z71 usually has this really cool sticker that makes your truck off-road way better

Unless your planning on doing some hunting or driving some log trails, I wouldn't be too concerned about it.

If it was me, I would go to the dealer and bitch about them lying to you. They might do something for you, like put a grill gard on your pickup, or put a new set of tires on it or something.

Yea, I'm a cheap bastard. What can I say?

BlitherinIdiot · March 24, 2006

Thnaks for the quick reply. Is there a ride height difference between the two packages or is simply different shocks, skid plates and a horsepower adding sticker?

I really appreciate the help.

Chis

rdnkcpa · March 24, 2006

With the Z71, you get the skid plates, different shocks and a really cool sticker. Rest of the truck is the same.

MS3DALE · March 24, 2006

The biggest difference is the shocks,The springs are the same,no difference there.

Z71 gives you the decals,skid plates and the high-capacity air cleaner (Starting in '04 on the Chevy's it also gives you the wheel flares) where the Z85 does not.

The Skid Plates (RPO Code NZZ) High-Capacity Air Cleaner (RPO Code K47) and Wheel-Flares (RPO Code B71) are available on other models as separate options.

Ride height should pretty much be the same,Working at a dealer and seeing these trucks everyday I notice some with a slight variance between them,Even on the trucks with the same suspension package there can be a slight difference between two trucks,Case in point was my '99 Z71 as opposed to my '04 Z71,My '99 sat kinda' low in the back,So I sent it down to the local spring shop and I had them add a leaf to rasie it up a little,Where as my '04 sits up about an inch and half higher than my '99 did so I didn't have to add any leafs.