stupid question

[bowtiefan]

hey guys i have a stupid question about the z71 name and now the z66 name on the 2wd avalanches. were did chevrolet come up with the names at. just wondering that all you dont see any other names like that on trucks. and i think 1989 was the first year of the z71 or was it 1988 when they changed body styles. yes its a stupid question but it was bugging me about it.

[Kania2k1]

I'm pretty sure that the names are the order codes from the factory.  Not really sure how they made it onto the side of the trucks though.

[Pastmaster]

They are order codes, the trailer package is/was Z82.  The Z71 package was officially introduced for the 1989 Gm model year, I have a friend who has a  worn-out 89 Z71, but I believe that there were some factory 1988 Z71's.  The light-duty 3/4ton came out in 1989 too.  

[Shaners]

Yes they are order codes.  My truck is a Z85 (heavy duty suspension option) Bu all I got was the "ugly 4X4 stickers".  Maybe I should have my buddy make me some Z85 decals...  hmmm...  that would make people think!!!

[sk]

The numbers are the order codes.  As far as them being on the sides of the trucks, the Z85 (and other RPO's) are single options, while the Z71 is meant to be an "off-road package" (stiffer shocks, skid plates, high-capacity air cleaner, engine oil cooler, decals, etc.).  I guess that is why you get the stickers on the side of the truck with the Z71 option.  It is similar to the Ford "F150 Off-Road", the Dodge "Off-Roadster", and the Toyota "TRD" (except I think GM beat them to the punch with this one).

 

Scott