Z71 Package Or Not?

cskoop · March 18, 2008

I ordered a new 08 GMC Sierra 2500 HD LMM in Feb. waiting for it come and was told today it might not be finished getting built AAM on strike long story short was given options to take delivery of one without Z71 off road package. I am towing an 08 32 ft 7300lbs travel trailer now, hoping to upgrade to a fifth in a couple of years and wanted to know your guys opinion if it will make that much of a difference not having the Z71 package for towing and stability?

To add would it be better towing with the standard z85 or the z71 package? and is there a difference in height of the truck?

Thanks

Coop

SLESierra · March 18, 2008

z71 is not a towing package the z85 is the hd towing package - as for the limited slip just make sure it has apo g80 and have the dealer order the guards under the truck. for the trim level I really do not know what you could do for that and I am unsure if the gmt900 has the fender flares for the package

s-ten · March 18, 2008

The Z71 is not really a big deal. You can get the skid plates and G80 as stand alone options, and they are the only real important parts of the Z71 package. The only thing that you cannot get on the Z85 is the larger front sway bar which may improve the handling a bit. As far as load capacity and towing the Z85 is every bit as good as the Z71.

BlackSilver · March 18, 2008

The only part of Z71 that will help you tow is the locking rear, and I think that's almost standard --- never saw a HD without it.

dlstewart01 · March 18, 2008

Z85 is the heavy duty suspension package. Z82 is the trailering package.

Don

wellinghurst · March 18, 2008

The only part of Z71 that will help you tow is the locking rear, and I think that's almost standard --- never saw a HD without it.

You could in 2003-mine doesn't have it.

chrisb1 · March 18, 2008

I have a 2008 GMC 2500 HD Extended Diesel with the Z71. The offroad package has a larger front sway bar and is stiffer than the other packages. I have the Standard box

and the truck may be taken off road. If you have a 4 door with the long box, it may

not be relevant.

I got it because it was the first time offered on an HD. I like mine and would not horse

trade just to get the truck. Go where your heart takes you!!

By the way, I ordered mine on 11/13/2007 and did not get the truck until 2/18/2008.

I sustained a two week shut down end of December, and the first two weeks in January.