Truck Forums - z71 or ls

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i am buying a 2001 1500 4x4. what is the difference between theLS and the Z71? I do some boat towing, and a lot of winter (milwaukee) driving in the snow. is the Z71 better for the 4x4? i test drove the LS, and believe it or not, my 94 nissan v6 tears through the snow with a lot more traction and control.

I'm not an expert by any means, I know there are a lot of members on this forum who know a lot more than I do but what I found out when searching for my truck was the difference between the LS and Z71 is stiffer shocks and a skid plate. I don't think there is any difference other than that. Maybe I'm wrong but I think that is the main difference.

I believe the Z71 also has taller suspension,so it sits higher.

LS is considered a trim level, like WT, LS, LT1, LT2, LT3. Z71 is a suspension package and stickers. skid plates, different shocks. you can have an LS truck with the Z71 package.

The Z-71 will have a locking differential also. There are a number of things that are different, like the bump stops, the shocks are bigger, the locking differential, larger tires than stock that come stock, and skid plates. That is all I can think of off the top of my head. Oh, I think that it comes with a larger motor, but that may not be true.

Definetly buy the Z-71 if you can afford it. You will find that it will work better in the snow because of the locking differential, as well as having the larger shocks it will be able to handle the impacts of driving off road better with-out overheating.

I think that is all, anyone else remember anything that I forgot?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: gpet6669

The Z-71 will have a locking differential also. There are a number of things that are different, like the bump stops, the shocks are bigger, the locking differential, larger tires than stock that come stock, and skid plates. That is all I can think of off the top of my head. Oh, I think that it comes with a larger motor, but that may not be true.

Definetly buy the Z-71 if you can afford it. You will find that it will work better in the snow because of the locking differential, as well as having the larger shocks it will be able to handle the impacts of driving off road better with-out overheating.

I think that is all, anyone else remember anything that I forgot?

Actually you can get the z71 package w/o a locking diff in certain years, it was extremely rare, but possible, ive seen only one but maybe someone ordered it that way (why i have no clue).the z71 package does not include a larger motor. in recent years there is no difference in tire sizes between a 4x4 and a z71, maybe a difference in brand, as in something more aggressive. but on half tons you usually see about a 265 size tire on 4x4/z71 trucks.

but def. get the z71. i hate chevys 4x4 stickers LOL

Luckily in the newer model Chevy's and GMC's they offer a 2500 Duramax Z71

Quote:

ORIGINAL: gpet6669
The Z-71 will have a locking differential also.

I didn’t think the Z71 included the locking differential. I have a brochure on my 2002 and it doesn’t list the locking diff as part of the Z71 package (bigger shocks, jounce bumpers, bigger sway bars, skid plate, bigger air cleaner, and of course decals :-)

The brochure shows the locking differential as a separate option.

Does anyone know the RPO code for the locking diff? I want to see if I have it or not.

so far from what i have found is for sure it is the shocks and skid plate that are the main differences, and in some cases the tires. since i am looking for an '01-'02, it does not come with a locking differential from what i am told. i also found out that even if the truck is not decaled as a Z71 you can check inside the glove compartment to see if it is coded as such. this info is from a used car dealer that goes to auctions to buy what you are looking for, and he primarily deals in chevy trucks.