"Off-Road Suspension" of the Z-71

Epsilon Plus · November 8, 2021

Greetings.

This may have been asked before, but I've had trouble finding anything concrete in past threads dealing specifically with the 2020+ HD and the exact differences of the vague "Off-road Suspension" in the Z-71 package. I plan on ordering (such a great time to do so :rolleyes: )a very specific and basic truck. Its easy to see that the package has Rancho shocks, Hill Decent programing..etc..etc. but what makes the suspension "off-road suspension" specifically? Different/thicker torsions? Heavier springs? If so, keep in mind the Camper springs can be ordered with Z-71 so I'm not so sure about front springs being different or those packages would likely clash knowing GMs ordering system.

So what is, part for part, the "Off-Road Suspension" adds of the package on 2020+ 2500/3500 HD?

Thanks for the responses.

Edited November 8, 2021 by Epsilon Plus

MTU Alum · November 9, 2021

There is really nothing unique suspension wise with z71 vs z85.

#iworkforGM

December 7, 2021

hill decent control is probably one of the least used options GM ever installed on a truck IMHO. They also change the shocks to the cheapest mass produced Rancho shocks available. It's pretty much a sticker.

Edited December 7, 2021 by Phobby

newdude · December 7, 2021

On 11/8/2021 at 1:58 PM, Epsilon Plus said:

Greetings.

This may have been asked before, but I've had trouble finding anything concrete in past threads dealing specifically with the 2020+ HD and the exact differences of the vague "Off-road Suspension" in the Z-71 package. I plan on ordering (such a great time to do so )a very specific and basic truck. Its easy to see that the package has Rancho shocks, Hill Decent programing..etc..etc. but what makes the suspension "off-road suspension" specifically? Different/thicker torsions? Heavier springs? If so, keep in mind the Camper springs can be ordered with Z-71 so I'm not so sure about front springs being different or those packages would likely clash knowing GMs ordering system.

So what is, part for part, the "Off-Road Suspension" adds of the package on 2020+ 2500/3500 HD?

Thanks for the responses.

On HD trucks, the Ranchos and the hill descent. That is it. No spring changes, control arms, nothing.

You can order the Heavy Camper spring or VYU plow prep with Z71. Camper or VYU will raise the front GAWR with a heavier rated torsion bar. If you are planning for a plow, get VYU.

Njmurvin · December 8, 2021

Mine came with full weather proof Z71 floor mats. I don't know if those come with all Z71 packages but, for me, that's the best part. Not having driven a non-Rancho equipped truck, I don't know what the difference is. They seem to do an OK job with my fifth wheel.

Lifesgood · December 8, 2021

18 hours ago, Phobby said:

hill decent control is probably one of the least used options GM ever installed on a truck IMHO. They also change the shocks to the cheapest mass produced Rancho shocks available. It's pretty much a sticker.

Hill descent control is useless. I used it once in my jeep and it sucked. And now i have it in a truck? A vehicle not designed for off roading, unless a gravel road and farm trail is considered off road. Trucks are for hauling, not descending 35 degree slopes

December 8, 2021

17 hours ago, Njmurvin said:

Mine came with full weather proof Z71 floor mats. I don't know if those come with all Z71 packages but, for me, that's the best part. Not having driven a non-Rancho equipped truck, I don't know what the difference is. They seem to do an OK job with my fifth wheel.

A lot of people mention the Rancho shocks leak under normal use.

Stand By · December 8, 2021

Ranchos are made in the south west. The RS9000s I had on my old lifted grand Cherokee road nice, but by the second winter up here, they looked like 20 year old rust buckets.