Z71 Option and Other Options

BCGM · March 17

As I'm considering the Chevrolet 2500 HD or 3500HD for purchase what does the Z71 package really do for the truck ? I think it adds different shocks and skid plates .Would that package cause the suspension to feel mushy when driving on the highway ? Would it be a problem when towing a travel trailer ? If your not doing a lot of off roading it might not be worth it ?

Thank You !

Edited March 18 by BCGM
Additional information

Diver6 · March 17

I'm pretty sure it's just shocks that most people change anyway and a skid plate. Save your money and buy Billsteins after for it. Most people will never need the extra skid plate really. It came on my truck and I tow a fifth wheel and it handles fine good and solid.

bruceb58 · March 17

It's basically the equivalent of the FX4 on Fords. I would never order a truck with it.

Capt Bob · March 17

Don’t forget floor mats.

newdude · March 17

1 hour ago, Capt Bob said:

Don’t forget floor mats.

Depends. There's just Z71 on its own as an option which is the locker, Ranchos, hill descent control and skid plates, and then there is the Z71 Off Road and Protection package with is Z71 plus the spray in bed liner and floor liners.

So if you just order Z71, you don't get the protection package with it. You can order floor liners as an LPO or a dealer purchased accessory at that point.

Capt Bob · March 18

11 hours ago, newdude said:

Depends. There's just Z71 on its own as an option which is the locker, Ranchos, hill descent control and skid plates, and then there is the Z71 Off Road and Protection package with is Z71 plus the spray in bed liner and floor liners.

So if you just order Z71, you don't get the protection package with it. You can order floor liners as an LPO or a dealer purchased accessory at that point.

Well then, mine came as the protection package cause I have the spray in bed liner also. Wished they still had the small grill badge rather than the larger fender emblems.

Pryme · March 18

24 minutes ago, Capt Bob said:

Well then, mine came as the protection package cause I have the spray in bed liner also. Wished they still had the small grill badge rather than the larger fender emblems.

It could be a part of two packages. My truck has Z71(metal skid plate, hill decent control, ranchos and the fender badges) and separately has factory spray in liner but I don’t have factory floor mats.

rjgvt · March 18

My previous 1/2 tons trucks had the Z71 package with the Z71 4x4 badge on the front fender. My current truck is an AT4 HD that has all of the Z71 or X31 stuff but no badging except for AT4.

Epsilon Plus · March 18

The locker is standard on any and all HD. The "skid plates" is one tiny transfer case plate you can add yourself for less than $100. Better yet, add the ZR2 transfer case skid plate instead.

The Ranchos are hot garbage cheapo shocks. Since dampers are part of the suspension, they use them to justify "off road suspension" in the marketing. No difference in springs or any other hardware.

Hill descent is the only thing you can't add but you'll never use it anyway.

If you're ordering a truck and spending $60k then the $5xx bucks for the option isn't the end of the world and the badge and fake prestige is kinda cool but overall it's VERY over hyped from a practical sense. I say that owning a Z71.

BCGM · March 18

Thanks very much for the replies fellas . Right now I'm comparing trucks that are available on the dealerships lots.

I saw a Silverado 3500 HD with the Z71 package and it was very close in price to Chevrolet 2500 HD's without the package . Not sure why ?

I really don't think I need it at all and I could as you fellas stated put better shocks on it myself and skid plates .

Also in British Columbia, Canada, I think you can avoid paying the Luxury tax if you purchase a 3500 HD as its classed as work truck .

BCGM · March 18

Anyone know if you could remove the graphics on an Alaskan package 2500 HD . The truck is a real nice Slate Grey but the graphics on the box would need to go . Are they just stickers ?

Thank You !

Epsilon Plus · March 18

Just stickers. Comes with the best wheels I've seen (which I bought waiting to go on). Also has plow/camper torsion bars up front, aux switches and roof lights if I remember right.

BTW, here is the ZR2 all aluminum front skid that just came today. The plastic/steel combo stock Z71 is headed for the recycle pile:

Elite130 · March 19

16 hours ago, Epsilon Plus said:

Just stickers. Comes with the best wheels I've seen (which I bought waiting to go on). Also has plow/camper torsion bars up front, aux switches and roof lights if I remember right.

BTW, here is the ZR2 all aluminum front skid that just came today. The plastic/steel combo stock Z71 is headed for the recycle pile: