Z71 Vs Z85 Suspension

MrFritz99 · July 15, 2008

I recently purchased an 07 Sierra Crew, NBS with a Z71 suspension. I had wanted the less "stiff" Z85 suspension, but this truck was a great deal.

Anyway, one thing I have noticed and thought I'd throw out there. I know this suspension is on the stiff side, and it definately rides differently than the vehicle I replaced ('95 Silverado 2WD), but either I'm feeling EVERY nook and cranny in the road surface or I've got a tire out of balance or something to the like. I don't feel anything at very low speeds, but anything above 30, there's a "jitter" (for lack of a better way to describe it) to the ride? It's especially pronounced around 70mph. Now I'm not talking a teeth chattering jitter, but there's something there. I just can't seem to tell if it's a regular frequency or not. Could it be that I'm just not used to the stiffer suspension? Nothing showing on the tires. No feathering or unusual wear, though I've only had the truck 2weeks so it's difficult to tell.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks in advance...

blankey · July 15, 2008

I have an '04 Z71 (different body style, I know) but I think it rides pretty smooth for a truck. I'm thinking there is something wrong. Someone else with a similar truck can help more I'm sure.

Nick The Great · July 15, 2008

I replaced my Regular Cab 99 Chevy 2WD with a 2007 Chevy Crew, 4WD Z71. I don't feel the ride is too bad. I mean it rides like a truck, but not like you're crossing train tracks. Her Impala defintely rides better, but mine is almost as nice.

Can't answer your specific question, sorry.

tobias · July 15, 2008

Probably time for a warranty trip! I've got heavy custom wheels and tires and and even with the added load on the suspension I have a silky smooth (for a truck) ride on most flat surfaces.

sgrah230 · July 15, 2008

I also have a NBS Z71 and it rides very smooth for a truck, almost rides like a car.

I would have it checked out.

BigJayDogg3 · July 15, 2008

Put weight in the back. If it goes away, it is most likely just the suspension. If it stays or gets worse, you have a problem.

Also isn't the Z85 the stiffest suspension package available? I thought the Z85 was the performance suspension?

huero626 · July 15, 2008

Isn't the Z60 the performance suspension?

mkelly · July 15, 2008

I have an 08 z71 and I get the chatter on concrete highways in colorado if I dont have a load in the bed.

Once I put a couple of bikes in the bed of the truck it is smooth as silk

I do notice that on wyoming concrete highways I dont get the jitter? Could be either the quality of the expansion joints or the frequency. I'm not smart enough to figure out which one it is.

udeleon · July 15, 2008

I agree with the others...My 07 rides SMOOTH...it's even smother than my old Caddy CTS...

What were you using as your daily driver before the truck? Perhaps in comparison, it may be a stiffer ride?

lsorah0001 · July 15, 2008

I've always known GM trucks to have the smoothest ride of just about any truck. I have a Z71 myself with the torsion bars cranked up, and still have what I consider to be a smooth ride. It may, in fact, be a tire out of balance. Wouldn't hurt to err on the side of caution and get it checked out.