Z71Versus Standard 4X4

[Rojo]

Hi-I'm new to the forum. I'm looking at purchasing a 2017 Yukon.

85% of the time it will be a daily driver. 10% will be spent on dirt roads during the fall and winter. 5% of the time will be on two-tracks-mainly hilly and rocky with snow on them.

When do you all find that a standard 4X4 isn't enough and a Z71 package is needed?

If you get the max Trailering package (which gives you the 3.42 rear and two-speed transfer case), what then do you gain from adding the Z71 package?

Is the 85% daily driving with the Z71 suspension and all terrain tires more uncomfortable than it's worth?

Thanks!

 

[Blueinterceptor]

I'm a hunter. I've never bought a z71 package. I occasionally run in a field or logging road. I get a lt or Ltz Tahoe. I then add the hd trailering package and buy the three piece shield kit for the bottom. The posi rear and 2 speed 4wheel drive transfer case is there. I opt for at tires that are not heavily aggressive or a Michelin m/s tire.
I don't rock crawl I don't see the need for the fender wells. Or the harsh ride. I've done this to more than a dozen trucks for myself, wife and father. I've been in 20" of snow and dirt roads and fields. I've never been stuck.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[15YUKON]

I'd say skip on the Z71 not really needed. I'd avoid big rims (20s and 22s) if it will do any sort of off-roading. Big rims mean tires with little rubber and they suck in snow and off-road. Ask me how I know.

 

[Rojo]

Thank you!!

I have those Michelin tires on my tired 2001 Silverado. A great tire!

 

[Z71Jack]

I've spent a lot of time in Chevy Tahoes. Even did my counter-terrorism driving school in them.

I'm not going to try to sell you on the Z71 even though it is my favorite package. Is it necessary to go off-road? No. The Z71 package is basically the shocks, tires, and skid-plates. You also get the 2-speed transfer case (low range) and the 3.42 gears as well as the front spoiler deleted for extra clearance in the snow. But other than that it's not drastically different from the rest of the line. If you like the look of it great.

A few things to note:

1) The 3.42 gears do make a difference if you drive a lot on back roads and hills.
2) The Duratrac tires are excellent in snow/ice as well as pavement, but the braking distance is compromised a bit.
3) Skip the big 22" wheels. They drive like crap and have too much rotational mass.
4) Keep in mind that having 4WD does not make the Tahoe a good snow vehicle unless it has the right tires. 4WD gets you moving in the snow/ice, but it does nothing to stop you. That's where the right tires come into play.
5) Skid plates may or may not be your friend in heavy snow. It can act as a ramp (good and bad).
6) Try to get the full back seat versus those stupid captain's chairs.

FYI---the Duratrac tires are not uncomfortable. I've had them on 4 vehicles. You just have to learn how they drive. You'll either love them or hate them. But a personnal choice nonetheless. But all in all don't go with wheels any bigger than a 20" on a Tahoe. The 18s are ideal, and the 20s push the envelope a little.

Good luck.

 

[Rojo]

Thank you.

What tires come on the standard 4WD Tahoe? Do dealers allow you to swap tires?

What specific skid plates should I add to a non-Z71 vehicle?

What shocks come on the Z71 and which ones are on the standard vehicle?

 

[Blueinterceptor]

On a standard Tahoe w 18” wheels the tires are a Michelin tire. I forget which but you can look it up on tire rack .com. The shield kit is not a packaged kit per say but are the three shields that come in the skid plate package that come with the z71. I send you the part numbers. In addition to the shields you will needs the bolts. The holes for the mounting spots already exist on the frame. If you get the hd towing pkg
I never changed shocks after that but the shocks were bilstiens.

 

[PG01]

I added the 2 most important ones on my 13.... 1 under the motor second under the transfer case and the 3rd would be wher the plastic splash shield is in front of the motor to protect the radiator

 

[salanizi]

In short, get the Z71,

I opted for an LS 4x4 and now regret not getting the Z71 package.

3.42 final drive makes a huge difference, as well as the front spoiler delete.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

Front spoiler can be changed out to a police car version or removed altogether and with the hd trailering pkg the gearing goes to 3.42

 

[DWTahoe]

The only thing I would add to this conversation is front tow hooks. I have an LT and I added them to mine. You will need the hooks themselves and the patience to replace the lower insert where they go. I'd recommend them for any vehicle you will take off-road. They are standard on the Z71 so that's another piece to the puzzle. Good Luck.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

The only thing I would add to this conversation is front tow hooks. I have an LT and I added them to mine. You will need the hooks themselves and the patience to replace the lower insert where they go. I'd recommend them for any vehicle you will take off-road. They are standard on the Z71 so that's another piece to the puzzle. Good Luck.

Good point.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

 

[Blueinterceptor]

View attachment 185049

3 pcs shield and 12 bolts to install. There is a plastic shield (cover) near the front that will be removed. The bolts will be reused. The other 2 shields will bolt in place in predrilled holes in the frame

 

[GTNator]

I'm a hunter. I've never bought a z71 package. I occasionally run in a field or logging road. I get a lt or Ltz Tahoe. I then add the hd trailering package and buy the three piece shield kit for the bottom. The posi rear and 2 speed 4wheel drive transfer case is there. I opt for at tires that are not heavily aggressive or a Michelin m/s tire.
I don't rock crawl I don't see the need for the fender wells. Or the harsh ride. I've done this to more than a dozen trucks for myself, wife and father. I've been in 20" of snow and dirt roads and fields. I've never been stuck.

Hope that helps a little.

Nice! That’s deep, deep snow. What size wheels do you have?


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[Blueinterceptor]

Nice! That’s deep, deep snow. What size wheels do you have?


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I run the factory wheels and tire sizes.
I reread my post and will clarify that the 20” of snow is on streets not on dirt roads.

 

[Z71Jack]

Thank you.

What tires come on the standard 4WD Tahoe? Do dealers allow you to swap tires?

What specific skid plates should I add to a non-Z71 vehicle?

What shocks come on the Z71 and which ones are on the standard vehicle?

Dealers will probably not allow you to swap wheels or tires unless you are buying them.

Adding a skid plate really isn't a critical thing particularly since the non-Z71 has that spoiler. You would end up ripping that thing off well before hitting anything on a skid plate. But, you can remove the spoiler.

You might not want to pay all that money and create a "Franken-Tahoe" by having to remove spoilers, add skid plate, swap tires, etc. That's stuff that people typically do over time. Driving a brand new vehicle off the lot and doing that might not be the best thing. Just my opinion.

I'd say to go out and drive a Z71 and non-Z71 back to back and see if you like it. You might hate it or find that it is for you. Might save you a lot of money and headache in the long run.

 

[GTNator]

Dealers will probably not allow you to swap wheels or tires unless you are buying them.

Adding a skid plate really isn't a critical thing particularly since the non-Z71 has that spoiler. You would end up ripping that thing off well before hitting anything on a skid plate. But, you can remove the spoiler.

You might not want to pay all that money and create a "Franken-Tahoe" by having to remove spoilers, add skid plate, swap tires, etc. That's stuff that people typically do over time. Driving a brand new vehicle off the lot and doing that might not be the best thing. Just my opinion.

I'd say to go out and drive a Z71 and non-Z71 back to back and see if you like it. You might hate it or find that it is for you. Might save you a lot of money and headache in the long run.

I personally think Z71’s LOOK great. I know we’re not talking about looks here but talking about capabilities, but just thought I’d mention this anyway.


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[Rojo]

Thanks for all of the advice!

I haven't found a Z71 locally to test drive.

 

[PG01]

I personally think Z71’s LOOK great. I know we’re not talking about looks here but talking about capabilities, but just thought I’d mention this anyway.


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Ohhhh look......a butterfly.....