geno96Z71

Hello out there!
My name is Gene, and I'm the proud new owner of a '96 GMC Sierra Z71. I just got the truck today, and I'm very stoked . It came with a few extras like a shell, toolbox, and BFG 285/75R 16 All-Terrains. This is not my first truck, but my first 4x4 (and the cleanest one I've owned so far). I heard the Z71 offroad pack is good, but what exactly do I have here? The rig is an extracab w/ 5.7l Vortec and automatic. Any info on this option would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Geno

567234ta

i have the exact same truck, what type of specific info were you looking for?

geno96Z71

I was just wondering what makes up the Z71 package- upgraded shocks, tires, etc. Is a limited slip diff. part of the package? I'm no 4-wheeling expert, but I've heard that locking diffs go along way when you're off road.

Geno

567234ta

i believe the only difference is the skid plates, shocks and that it comes with the towing package. i dont think that there is anything different in the axels from a standard 4x4. plus its got the sticker.
but they are a great truck, the most common problem with them is the intake manifold gaskets.

geno96Z71

567234ta,
Do you go 4-wheeling? If so, in what type of terrain? I used to go with my bro-in-law up in Oregon in his Landcruiser. Lots of fun. So, are the intake gaskets just no good on these Vortec V-8's? Do you have to go with an aftermarket gasket, or is it a dealer only fix? I'm noticing alot of folks on this forum describing technical problems they're having with their trucks (new ones)- should I even worry?

Geno

567234ta

no they are great trucks, i take mine off road once in a great while as i keep it showroom clean so its always a lot of work to clean off the mud.
i guess the worst points are the brakes and that intake gasket.
the gaskets you just replace, there are some great write ups on them at www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/ thats a good forum for any info on these trucks.
ive learned a ton about these trucks online, the gaskets cost 30.00, all together with the sealants and stuff it may be about 50.00 in parts to do it.
the dealer wants like 800.00 to replace those gaskets.
so it was worth it to me to learn how to do it myself.
another thing that was a recall on them was the wiper circuit board, make sure yours has been replaced under the recall. its free to have it done, the problem is the wipers work intermittently, mine only had problems when it was raining for some reason though.lol

geno96Z71

567234ta,
Thanks for the tips on Sierra- I'll definitely look into them, as well as the chevy website. I really haven't had the truck long enough to notice little things yet, but I'm sure I will at some point.

I used to drive a '95 Accord (the wife's car now that I've got the Sierra), and I have to say it's different. Up higher, handling different but I'm getting back into the truck mindset. Alot of the knuckleheads driving fullsize 4x4's out here put 22,24" rims w/ low-profile tires but I'm sticking with the off-road meats! Hmmm... those 285's are looking smaller every day.

Geno

567234ta

yeah its just looks really when people put huge rims on, i like the stock look, they are also designed to help cool the rotors like fans that push air in. im going to be getting headers soon and some other modifications.
one thing that seemed to really wake up my motor was to descreen the maf. its free and easy if youd like to try it.
K&N air filter or a amsoil is great thing to get also. i know that headers are gonna make a huge difference with power and gas mileage. the stock manifold are very restrictive. hope to see you on the fullsize forum. some pretty nice trucks over there.

geno96Z71

ta,
I've already got that map routed (the road to hi-perf exhaust). I think I'm gonna go Edelbrock shorties, Flowmaster cat-back w/ split side outs. I'm out here in Cali so it's all gotta be smog legal, but that doesn't mean it can't sound bad ass.

Have you heard about the airaid intake? I don't see any difference between brands on something as simple as an intake pipe- Airaid seems to be the cheapest one out there. I think I can justify all of these mods to the wife just on the basis of mpg gains (think she'll buy it? )

Geno