Z71 question

[Walkingtall]

Hello all,

I currently have a 2006 chevy tahoe z71, and am planning on upgrading to 2014. Is the z71 an option on that year truck. I cant seem to find any. Or should I just skip that model and get a 2015 or newer

 

[avalonandl]

Very few if any. The is mostly an appearance package.....and shocks, 4WD.

 

[OR VietVet]

I checked at GM Parts Warehouse and it shows the Z71 trim package stopping in 2006 for the Tahoe. They may have similar packages for 2007 and newer but they don't identify as a Z71 package. By the way, why are you leaving the 2006 for the newer models? Every time I turn around I see where the newer rigs have more goodies but also more problems. It has been said here time and again the best years for the 2000-2006 rigs was 2005 and 2006.

 

[Tiki]

I would not consider a 07-14 NNBS an upgrade over the 00-06 NBS. I would only change out to get in a 15+ K2.

You can get a Z71 in either the 07-14 or 15-20 or 21+ platforms.

 

[Dustin Jackson]

Hello all,

I currently have a 2006 chevy tahoe z71, and am planning on upgrading to 2014. Is the z71 an option on that year truck. I cant seem to find any. Or should I just skip that model and get a 2015 or newer

@Walkingtall I have a Z71 and I see a few every now and then. They are a kinda rare. The only reason I bought my Tahoe was because it was a Z71, I have wanted a 3rd gen Z71 for a long time and finally got one.

 

[09_4WD_YUKON]

My '09 Yukon has the Z-71 package. To my knowledge, the Z-71 package is just upgraded skid plates (aluminum vs plastic) and Bilstein shocks. Also, the Z-71 package is available on 2wd models, something else I learned not very long ago.

 

[PG01]

12-13-14’s are pretty much the same as far as options. 14’s are just a carryover from the 13’s minus a color or 2. Expand your search if you dead set on NNBS’s

 

[jcsswix]

I have a 2009 z71. I previously owned a 2005 and I do consider the 2009 a substantial upgrade in both driveability and comfort. I recommend getting the 2009-14 as opposed to the 07/08 because they have the 6 speed transmission which is much better and more durable than the 4 speed in the 07/08. In my opinion if you want comfort, modern conveniences, and mostly drive on the street the 2015 and newer is the best option. If you want something rugged to take off-road and beat up I would stick with the 09-14. The suspension is more simple if you need to fix or modify anything and there are less electronics to go bad. The g80 rear axle (a lot of people don't like it but I've never had an issue with its dependability or function on any trail) comes standard on the 07-14 z71 whereas I believe it's an option in the 15 and up. I love my 2009 but if I were to daily drive something on the street, the comfort and street driveability of the 2015 is much better. I have driven the 2015 or newer Tahoe's many times as rental vehicles while traveling, including maxing one out at the bonneville salt flats and on some mountain trails in Utah. They are very comfortable and technologically superior to the previous model years. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

This is straight off the chevy newsroom website about the 2009 model year z71. There are quite a few differences with this package:

"The popular Z71 Off Road appearance package returns for 2009. It includes the Z71 Off Road suspension with high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off-road tires, automatic-locking rear differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and a high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed fender flares, an aggressive front fascia and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome front grille insert provide a distinctive appearance.

Inside, a brushed metal-look replaces wood grain accents for a more rugged appearance. Also included are leather-appointed bucket seats that are available in solid Ebony, Cashmere or Titanium."

 

[pt1965]

i agree with the above that your 05 is probably more reliable as was my 2002 yukon xl . but the lure of more features and less miles, plus i wanted a z71. mine is a 2010. it was hard to find, but i do remember a couple 2014's but i would have paid 10k more for one. and they didnt have sunroof and navi screen stereo. since i bought mine (which had 165k on it) i have replaced shocks, still had oe.
replaced engine mounts,replaced both exhaust manifolds,rebuilt rear end,replaced rear main seal.
since it ran those 165k with the AFM, i believe the remaining ticking noise i have after sealing all the exhaust leaks is the lifters. i have a DIABLO plugged in now and havent seen any drop in gas mileage. i'm not paying more for the lifters, just gonna drive it and keep the oil changed! like everyone says, 'sounds like a chevy'

 

[pt1965]

one more thing.... i love the comfort and ride better than my 2002. but i miss the simpler dials for the HVAC that my old one had. i always have to take my eyes off the road to push the right button! and the location and style of the 4wd is also bad, i dont know how but i somehow bump it into 4wd without knowing sometimes.

 

[findog78]

jcsswix - How do you like those Nitto grapplers? I have been eye balling those. Do those 20" rims leave you enough sidewall when you air down?

PS. Ive only see a few Z71 07 and up.

 

[jcsswix]

View attachment 259904

jcsswix - How do you like those Nitto grapplers? I have been eye balling those. Do those 20" rims leave you enough sidewall when you air down?

PS. Ive only see a few Z71 07 and up.

Love the Nitto Ridge Grapplers. They're great on and off-road. I have plenty of sidewall when aired down. They are 10ply so they're very stout. I haven't ran them less than 15psi. It required extensive trimming of the inner fender well to fit the wheel/tire setup without rubbing even with the few inches of lift from my suspension setup. Also yeah I have seen very few z71's 07 and up too... They're not very common it seems.

 

[pt1965]

they are geolanders on stock 18s and they ride good. ive had nittos too, good ride but short tread life.

 

[jcsswix]

they are geolanders on stock 18s and they ride good. ive had nittos too, good ride but short tread life.

Which Nittos did you have? Everyone I know that has had the ridge grapplers have had excellent tread life. They were recommended to me by a friend who manages a discount tire company and in my own research online the consensus was they run 40k miles easily if properly rotated. This played a huge part in my decision to go with them.

 

[pt1965]

Which Nittos did you have? Everyone I know that has had the ridge grapplers have had excellent tread life. They were recommended to me by a friend who manages a discount tire company and in my own research online the consensus was they run 40k miles easily if properly rotated. This played a huge part in my decision to go with them.

sorry, i'm not sure, it was a few trucks ago. i just remember treads wore down at 30k and wet traction suffered.

 

[Collinmcballin]

Very few if any. The is mostly an appearance package.....and shocks, 4WD.

finally found an answer to this thank you!!

 

[mikez71]

Don't forget the 3.08 gears!