To Z71 or not to Z71...that is the question

[theguyfromnj]

I am new to the Chevy truck scene, so excuse me if this seems like a dumb question, but I have to know.
What is the difference between a Z71 and your standard K model? Different engine/springs/shocks/tires/trim? Or just another fancy label Chevy used to sell trucks?

[Rbraczyk]

Billstein shocks is all i know of.

[Silverado Brethern]

Billstein shocks and skid plates..or just more skid plates than normal. but my z71 has 3/4 ton springs, a 14 bolt rear, and a class 5 hitch..from factory

[Rbraczyk]

how did you get a factory class five hitch? I'm jealous...

[Silverado Brethern]

i have no idea...im the second owner of this truck but the hitch is from factory so maybe there was a HD option in 97 for K-1500's....but i doubt it. i like to go around and ask the guys with 2500's and 3500's about thier rear end's and hitches to hear them say thiers is the same or less than mine. also i have to put a weight class (2) sticker on my windshield.

[YBNRML]

I have a 96 Z71 with a 14 bolt rear and I dont know about a class 5 hitch. What is that (class 5 hitch)?

[theguyfromnj]

Mine is a class 3 factory hitch. The shocks are rusty so I don't know the brand.
Weight class 2 sticker on windshield?

[UngerC]

Weight class 2 sticker huh? So you have to stop at weigh stations? Pay higher taxes? I also have a 97 Z71... it has a 14 bolt rear and class five hitch....

[Silverado Brethern]

no its just a classification sticker for inspection

[slacker_53]

Z71 is part of the build code on your truck. If you open the glove compartment, you will find the 'build' sheet for your truck.

Code Z71 stands for 'CHASSIS PACKAGE, OFF-ROAD' which includes larger rubber, skid plates and off-road shocks.

The list price on the package on a new truck is only around $300, so you know it doesn't include much.

Code Z82 is the one that includes the trailer towing package which includes the hitch, or as GM puts it, 'TRAILER PROVISIONS, SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, H.D.'

-slacker

I might add that the same goes for all of GMs moniker's Z/28, Z/34, Z/24, Z/06, LT1, L88, L82.................

[YBNRML]

I have the Z82 code in my glove box.

[theguyfromnj]

thanks for the input

[rpreston]

You didn't say what year you were talking about, but I know in 1990 the Z71 also came with heavy duty front hubs and calipers and twin exhaust outlets...

[slacker_53]

I think the larger brakes were probably part of the tow package or maybe a heavier GVW package. I don't think they were part of the Z71 option.

Dual exhausts were an option by themselves, codes NC5, NC6, NC7 or someother code not listed.

-slacker