Newbie, here. Needing guidance.

[XJ_eep]

Hey guys, glad to be here! I'm hoping to find some help here as my Google searches are coming up fruitless. Long story short, I'm expanding my family to 5 and my trusty old 2004 Trailblazer (which I've had for 13 years) just isn't going to cut it.

So I'm wanting to expand into a 07-14 Suburban, Yukon XL, or Escalade ESV (maybe?). I'm far from a gearhead or a GM guy in all honesty. My Trailblazer has been rock solid and has never failed me. Standard maintenance is all it has ever required. Outside of that, I know my way around an XJ Cherokee better than I would like.

My question is, what is Z71 package equivalent for a Yukon or Escalade? I'm not necessarily hooked on the Z71 package itself, as much as I am wanting to stay away from the Autoride and Smoothride suspension packages. I've already sold myself on the 5.3 Engine as well. So I'm just looking for Loaded and Conventional Suspension.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.

You'll get lots of different opinion here, regarding your question, but that is OK. You will be able to assimilate those perspectives here, and then come up with a decision that works best for you.

I purchased my new-to-me 07 Yukon XL Denali, with the auto-leveling suspension already removed and replaced with conventional struts and coilovers. I am extremely happy with all aspects of the truck and its ride quality. And, of course, I could not let it stay stock, and I've been adding mods over time.

Other folks will chime in.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

 

[1BADI5]

Welcome

The Z71 package was only on the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban....... 99% sure

Sounds like you need to look for an LT optioned Tahoe for the goodies but w/o the auto ride crap

 

[13BurbanKid]

Welcome to the forum from SWFlorida!

 

[Miami-Dade]

Welcome from Miami Beach!

 

[wjburken]

Welcome to the forum from Iowa

 

[George B]

Welcome from Wisconsin.

 

[kbuskill]

Welcome from N.E. FL.

Autoride is easy to get rid of if you so choose. I wouldn't miss out on a truck, that you are interested in, over the Autoride suspension.

The Auto leveling rear suspension is quite nice, actually, for when you load the backend down with kids and luggage or hook up to a trailer.

 

[George B]

Welcome from N.E. FL.

Autoride is easy to get rid of if you so choose. I wouldn't miss out on a truck, that you are interested in, over the Autoride suspension.

The Auto leveling rear suspension is quite nice, actually, for when you load the backend down with kids and luggage or hook up to a trailer.

I was gonna say. I like mine with the auto leveling. I also do like the auto ride electronic shocks.

 

[kbuskill]

I was gonna say. I like mine with the auto leveling. I also do like the auto ride electronic shocks.

You can keep the Auto leveling and get rid of the Autoride (electronic) shocks.

I kept the Auto leveling option functional even on my 4/6 dropped Burb for just such occasions as I mentioned earlier.

 

[George B]

You can keep the Auto leveling and get rid of the Autoride (electronic) shocks.

I kept the Auto leveling option functional even on my 4/6 dropped Burb for just such occasions as I mentioned earlier.

That is good info for this thread.

 

[avalonandl]

Welcome- Z71 was an "offroad package" that was more flash than gas.

The Yukon XL has no offroad package. You don't need one other than 4wd. The z71 was on a 4wd only

The Denali has the 6.2 a MONSTER of an engine......

 

[RTLINGR2]

Welcome from Central Florida. I also am a family of five. I love having a suburban, it allows me to spread the kids farther apart (Nice as they get older). I think just as long as 4×4 you'll be happy. Z71 was just Chevy not GMC. I think you will have better fuel mileage with a 5.3 over a 6.0 or later 6.2. For reference you can only get a 4.8 or 5.3 in the 1/2 tons. You can get a 6.0 or 6.2 in the 1/2 ton Denali or Caddy but now you will be into all wheel drive if I'm not mistaken. The 6.0 typically is in the 2500's.

 

[XJ_eep]

Thanks for the welcome, guys! I pulled the trigger today on a 2014 Suburban LTZ. It's got every interior option available, no conventional suspension though. I had a couple quick questions for you guys.

What head units are you guys using (Bose and Navigation) to get Android Auto or the Apple equivalent? I was eyeballing the Kemwood 7, but wanted some feedback.

Also. What dash kits do you guys recommend? The wife isn't a fan of the faux wood grain inserts.

Lastly, I was going to have the Active Fuel Management programmed out. Is that still recommended?

 

[avalonandl]

Crutchfield for head unit. Try looking at the audio section.