Z71 or 4X4

[74 laguna]

We are going to order a new 1/2 ton Silverado soon but not sure if we should order a Z71 or a regular 4X4.

We have always had a Z71 and have test driven a 4X4 but that is not the same has having one and driving it all the time.

How many of you have had both and which one do you think is going to give the smoothest ride on the road? We do not take ours off road and do not carry anything heavy.

[ColoradoSilverado]

You're not waiting for the '07 model ?

Bert

[74 laguna]

We will be getting a '07 Silverado Classic which is the same body style as the '06. They will make it for a short time just like they did the old style in '99.

We spent quite some time looking at the '07 Tahoe and talking to the dealer about the new '07 Silverado.

He said that the leather seats sould be the same in the Silverado, the leather seamed very hard and course. The buttons for the climate control and radio are very small and would be hard to use with any kind of gloves on, the dealer thought that ranchers and farmers would not like that alt all.

The sun visors do not seam as nice as the '06 and just a few other things we did not like as well as the '06.

The cruise control buttons are on the steering wheel, where they should be and that was nice.

He said they could swap out the tail lights on the truck we would be getting for some out of a G.M.C. so they would be the same as our '01.They could change the outside mirror housings for the chrome looking housings insted of the black plastic that it comes with.

I really like our '01 better than either of the other two, but our truck is getting older and with 36,000 miles on it now we thought we should trade while it is still worth something.

[tykrz]

I don't quite understand...a Z71 is a 4x4 truck. With the Z-71 package you basicaly just get wider diameter (46mm) shocks and special stabilzer bar vs smaller 35mm shocks for models without this package.
The Z-71 rides a bit firmer (not as mushy) than trucks without this package as noted during several test drives of different trucks when I bought mine.

[74 laguna]

That's what I was wanting to know, if the ride on a 4X4 unit would be softer ridding on paved roads than one with the Z71 package. On our last three Silverados we have always had the Z71 package but I have been told that the 4X4 is a much softer ridding truck.

[tykrz]

During recent test drives of several Chevy's, the Z71's rode a bit firmer and handled a bit better on cornering...not as much sway.
The 4x4s without handled a bit more mushy when cornering and had a bit smoother ride.
I preferred the ride characteristics of the Z71 as I felt more in control of the truck.

[silverado122775]

That is correct. The reg 4x4 are mushier.. I had a 4x4 and Z71.. I prefer the Z71, however.. you could get a 4x4 and change out with better shocks probably for less money than the cost of a Z71.. also the Z71 comes with skid plates.
you are worried about your truck at 36000 miles? I have a 2000 with 150K and it is still worth about 10K according the Kelly and BB. Best investment I ever made.. I am payment free and have a truck that is still like a rock.

[jumpingjack66]

Originally Posted by silverado122775

That is correct. The reg 4x4 are mushier.. I had a 4x4 and Z71.. I prefer the Z71, however.. you could get a 4x4 and change out with better shocks probably for less money than the cost of a Z71.. also the Z71 comes with skid plates.
you are worried about your truck at 36000 miles? I have a 2000 with 150K and it is still worth about 10K according the Kelly and BB. Best investment I ever made.. I am payment free and have a truck that is still like a rock.

This is what i have done short of swapping out shocks my stock 35mm shocks are still holding oil so i havent bothered.While i am thinking of it on the build sheet from my truck the guy who ordered it in 2000 paid 95.00 for a heavy duty suspension option. anybody have any idea what this was. Maybe that was an option for the bigger shocks? Anyways it wasd cheaper to buy the skid plates and i installed thjem myself. you don,t even need additional bolts ..jj

[silverado122775]

the only A/M suspension I know of are the ones that include Heavy duty springs and shocks.. but that costs a lot more than $95. you may want to ask him and get more detail.

[jumpingjack66]

Originally Posted by silverado122775

the only A/M suspension I know of are the ones that include Heavy duty springs and shocks.. but that costs a lot more than $95. you may want to ask him and get more detail.

Actually i just looked again at the build sheet and it says heavy duty chassis package $95.00. So i wonderr what that would have been.