I am looking at picking up a 2005 1500 crew cab. Its fully loaded with everything except a sunroof and z71. I need to know what the difference between a 4x4 and a z71 is? Is it that big of a deal? Any input would be great! Thanks

 

shocks, skid plates, z71 stickers

 

I'm pretty sure there isn't any difference. I've never seen a 4 wheel drive chevy that wasn't a Z71.

 

My truck is a 04' truck andis a 4x4 and is not a Z71. The Z71 comes with an offraod package with better shocks and a limited slip in the rear. But my truck being a 2500hd came with the limtied slipstock. If you are looking to lift a Z71 there really isn't a areason to get a Z71 you could just go with a 4x4.

 

don't the Z71's have the auto locking rear in them? I think I may have seen just the regular 4x4 with that option before...it has the towing package and tow hooks in the front and all of that. At what mileage do things usually start needing replacing on these? Any known problems with them to look for besides the interm shaft? I know all about that..

 

Gm has done a lot of different packages for the NBS (99-07) trucks. you can get the z71 package with above mentioned shocks, skids, stickers, and g80 locking rear diff. but they also offered the locking rear dif in the light duty power package for certain years which doesnt require the z71 package. i personally hate the 4x4 stickers and didnt plan on lifting my truck so thats why i went with the z71 in my first 06.