Z71 Suspension

[Biggins96]

Hello, I need some help figuring out what I need to return my 06 Tahoe Z71 back to factory suspension. I have the RPO’s ZW7 and G65. What all is specific to the Z71 package? Just to note I have the 2WD version and I don’t have Z71 RPO code which I find strange

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

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

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You have the Z71 Model trim, but you have the ZW7 RPO Suspension code. This suspension uses Nimovat self-leveling shocks in the rear, and they are expensive. But, they are a very solid shock setup for sure.

Go to RockAuto.com or GMPartsDirect.com, enter your truck's VIN, go to the Suspension section, and you will find all of the parts details that you are looking for. And, prices on these 2 web sites will be significantly lower than the Dealer.

 

[Biggins96]

Thank you! So the Nivomats are the only specific thing I need? And do you know why perhaps my truck doesn’t have the Z71 code? Even though it’s a 2WD version?

 

[Marky Dissod]

Just to note I have the 2WD version and I don’t have Z71 RPO code which I find strange.

...do you know why perhaps my truck doesn’t have the Z71 code? Even though it’s a 2WD version?

You included 'perhaps' ...

Years ago people would buy Caprice 9C1s, remove all the Caprice-specific trim, and replace with Impala SS trim.
More recently, there have been hundreds if not thousands NYC Tahoes / Yukons / Suburbans,
that have had most of the exterior body panels & trim exchanged for Caddy Escalade body panels & trim,
which lets uber / lyft drivers charge more (and hopefully get tipped more) for driving a 'lux' vehicle.

I myself want to take all the Z71 exterior appliques off & replace them with '06 non-Z71 stuff - I'll keep the nerf bars though.

Point is, go to this website:

Free GM Vin Decoder | GMPartsGiant

Free GM VIN Decoder - Do a VIN lookup to acquire specific car information. Ordering exact-fit parts has never been this smooth and hassle-free on GMPartsGiant!

www.gmpartsgiant.com

after you add your VIN after the equal sign.
Whatever it says, that's how GM built it - which should not stop you from changing whatever you like to suit your taste.

 

[Fless]

Why do you think it's a Z71? If you don't have the Z71 RPO code, you don't have a Z71. What do your roof racks look like? Z71s have flat, horizontal cross braces. Others have arched braces. EDIT: based on your pics someone has replaced the roof rack with the Escalade model.

ZW7 is called "Premium Smooth Ride" and has softer (rear) coil springs, and Nivomat manual self-leveling shocks (G65 RPO).

Show us a pic of your rear shocks. The Nivomats are somewhat fatter (read: more girthy) than standard suspension shocks.

 

[Biggins96]

Why do you think it's a Z71? If you don't have the Z71 RPO code, you don't have a Z71. What do your roof racks look like? Z71s have flat, horizontal cross braces. Others have arched braces. EDIT: based on your pics someone has replaced the roof rack with the Escalade model.

ZW7 is called "Premium Smooth Ride" and has softer (rear) coil springs, and Nivomat manual self-leveling shocks (G65 RPO).

Show us a pic of your rear shocks. The Nivomats are somewhat fatter (read: more girthy) than standard suspension shocks.

Attached is the Monroney label and SPID from my truck

 

[Biggins96]

Why do you think it's a Z71? If you don't have the Z71 RPO code, you don't have a Z71. What do your roof racks look like? Z71s have flat, horizontal cross braces. Others have arched braces. EDIT: based on your pics someone has replaced the roof rack with the Escalade model.

ZW7 is called "Premium Smooth Ride" and has softer (rear) coil springs, and Nivomat manual self-leveling shocks (G65 RPO).

Show us a pic of your rear shocks. The Nivomats are somewhat fatter (read: more girthy) than standard suspension shocks.

My truck was built as a Z71 minus the 4x4 as you can see from my previous reply. It has been modified such as the roof rack and the suspension was replaced with heim jointed components.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Free GM Vin Decoder | GMPartsGiant

Free GM VIN Decoder - Do a VIN lookup to acquire specific car information. Ordering exact-fit parts has never been this smooth and hassle-free on GMPartsGiant!

www.gmpartsgiant.com

You got the Z71 appearance RPO, not the Z71 RPO.

 

[Biggins96]

Free GM Vin Decoder | GMPartsGiant

Free GM VIN Decoder - Do a VIN lookup to acquire specific car information. Ordering exact-fit parts has never been this smooth and hassle-free on GMPartsGiant!

www.gmpartsgiant.com

You got the Z71 appearance RPO, not the Z71 RPO.

So my next question is what makes it an actual Z71? I’m just getting into these trucks and don’t know much. If I have the appearance package and a lot of the other goodies then what makes a true Z71?

 

[Doubeleive]

So my next question is what makes it an actual Z71? I’m just getting into these trucks and don’t know much. If I have the appearance package and a lot of the other goodies then what makes a true Z71?

Z71 Z71 OFF-ROAD SUSPENSION and "normally" 4wd there are z71 wheels, bumpers, , etc basically a trim package nothing really inherently different

 

[Buckshot85]

Suspension and skid plates.

 

[Marky Dissod]

So my next question is what makes it an actual Z71? I’m just getting into these trucks and don’t know much.
If I have the appearance package and a lot of the other goodies then what makes a true Z71?

RPO Z71: Off Road Chassis Package
If it has RPO Z71 it IS a Z71.
If it has RPO 1SL, it has the Z71 Appearance package, but not the Z71 chassis package.
Z71 being stiffer & taller springs & shocks, plus some things that are also included in 1SL.

It's not where you start, it's where you finish. You can turn it into whatever you want it to be.

Don't know when RPO Z71 was applicable to 2WD vehicles, maybe '07?

 

[Doubeleive]

I

RPO Z71: Off Road Chassis Package
If it has RPO Z71 it IS a Z71.
If it has RPO 1SL, it has the Z71 Appearance package, but not the Z71 chassis package.
Z71 being stiffer & taller springs & shocks, plus some things that are also included in 1SL.

It's not where you start, it's where you finish. You can turn it into whatever you want it to be.

Don't know when RPO Z71 was applicable to 2WD vehicles, maybe '07?

have only seen it posted before on the gmt800's specifically, there may be some historical documentation on one of the GM history web site's I do not have it bookmarked