opfor2
Full Access Member
So, what actually is a Z71Tahoe vs. a normal Tahoe?
What is a Z71 Tahoe
- Thread starter opfor2
- Start date
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from what I understand it is basically just a different mostly trim package, 4wd, running boards, shocks, skid plate (however) the skid plate could vary from plastic to aluminum depending.....
there are always different options depending on how it was ordered, tow package, trailer package, heated or heated & cooled, or not heated seats, adjustable or not adjustable pedals etc
power seats, hud or no hud yada yada
my silverado is a z71 but it is also a lt2 and texas package+ dealer add-ons
Marky Dissod
Full Access Member
I've wondered the same. Is my 4WD in any way different from other 4WD?
Is the Z71 suspension different from a non-Z71 4WD Tahoe? If so, how so?
And questions like that ... specifically:
What are the pertinent similarities between a SSV and a Z71? Differences?
What are the pertinent similarities between a PPV and a Z71? Differences?
My fear is that I will never get helpful answers to the last two questions.
I want to create a Frankenstein using my very loose definition of GM OE ...
Tahoe14
Full Access Member
You may try looking up the GM Tahoe brochure online for your year and it does list information about your particular model.
Marky Dissod
Full Access Member
So far, this has been impossible for my 22 year old Tahoe.
Tahoe14
Full Access Member
I just looked up the brochure and it shows the 4x4 is the same for the three models listed. If there is someone on the board with a 4x4 same year different model I would guess the RPO code would be the same.
the "basic" difference with the ssv/ppv versus stock is the suspension is 1" lower, there are ssv/ppv specific suspension parts
then of course the steel wheels, police rated tires, semi-metallic pads. the calipers may be made with high temp seals. 1/8" thicker radiator (woohoo)
and of course the "cop" tune, which basically just adjust's the shift parameters if in pursuit and may increase the speed limiter from stock depending on how it was ordered per department request.
doesn't have any higher top end or any other silly "chip" crap.
other things may be horn or lighting options turned off to be "stealthy" and extra wiring for lights and radios
typically the horn wire is cut, rear door locks disabled (rod disconnected), rear speaker wires cut. no dic switch, rubber floor liner, no bells & whistles like higher trim models.
might have a different dome light in the headliner, no center console (radio console instead), might have a spotlight. holes in the roof from antenna's
late model ppv/ssv of course have more options, but the above is referencing basically the gmt900's and I believe the gmt800's are pretty similar
Marky Dissod
Full Access Member
Not concerned with the tune, me & my tuner already have that covered. Won't drive my Z71 over 90MpH anyway -
plus I'm far more interested in fleshing out how to make the engine and transmission suddenly reluctant once coolant hits 221F.
My major concern is springs (torsion, coil), shocks, swaybars, and that panhard bar.
The SSV is not 1" lower, yeah? Only the PPV is lower.
Are the SSV and the Z71 the same height, or is one taller than the other? How is this accomplished / spec'd?
plus I'm far more interested in fleshing out how to make the engine and transmission suddenly reluctant once coolant hits 221F.
My major concern is springs (torsion, coil), shocks, swaybars, and that panhard bar.
The SSV is not 1" lower, yeah? Only the PPV is lower.
Are the SSV and the Z71 the same height, or is one taller than the other? How is this accomplished / spec'd?
well since the ppv are 2wd and ssv are 4wd I guess that would explain why 1 is 1" lower and 1 is not
just going off of stuff from memory that I have read I am no "expert" in fact I am part idiot so keep that in mind
I think any other differences between say a lt and z71 may be struts or springs, and perhaps the bumper/appearance package I don't think the control arms or anything else is any different
control arms are typically steel or aluminum and not spec'd to z71 or anything else that I can think of, oem sway bars are not spec'd any different either that I am aware of although there could maybe be smaller diameter ones for whatever reason
I have 2 Z71 Tahoes, both 4wd models. I know a guy who, surprisingly to me, has a 2WD Z-71 Tahoe that he bought new. I had thought that all Z-71s were 4WD.
ya I did as well until somewhat recently, it's like assuming a denali has a sunroof not all of them do........ but everyone of them you see does lol
Marky Dissod
Full Access Member
There was a year when GM decided that RPO Z71 could make them more money, if they let 2WD models also use it.
In other news, how many RWD Jeep Wranglers have you seen that lack any traction enhancement in the rear diff?
In NYC, I've seen far too may so-called 'Jeep' 'Wranglers' get ONE tire stuck in snow / ice, immobilizing the vehicle, getting pointed at and laughed at.
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This should be pretty typical for the 2015-20 range.
: Z71 Off-Road Suspension, 3.42 rear axle
ratio, Autotrac 2-speed active transfer case, high-capacity air
cleaner, Hill Descent Control, Front and Rear Park Assist, Black
recovery hooks, foglamps, and Z71-specific features including
unique grille design, skid plates, 18" wheels with off-road tires,
Black tubular assist steps, front sill plates, rubber floor mats
with Z71 logo, Z71 decal on instrument cluster, and Z71 badges
on pillar and liftgate
K2 Kaiju
Full Access Member
This. FYI, the z71 suspension has slightly taller/stiffer springs than the regular LT 4wd.
you would think, but...... actually almost all of them are 3.08, and rare to have front park assist, skid plates vary from plastic with a metal support to full aluminum.
some of it depends on the trim level besides just z71
Most seem to have the park assist but in any case that's the Z71 features list from the brochures. They claim it's only available on LT.
I should add that's based off pics online and looking for the sensors. Oddly a lot of sellers don't seem to make as big of a deal about listing them as Z71s compared to that option on trucks and older Tahoes?
I know the brochures aren't always 100% accurate or have full information (like that 2wd oddity or much mention of gear ratios in general).
