4X4 vs. Z71

I'm still fairly new to the board and just purchased my first silverado a couple of weeks ago. I have a 2000 silverado Z71 LS, which brings me to my question. A buddy of mine has the same truck only it has a 4X4 decal instead of the Z71. What is the difference? I've also noticed some trucks have the Z71 offroad decal. Just wandering what the difference between these three trucks and if I'm limited to anything (offroad driving or towing) by having the Z71. Thanks.

I don't know for sure, I'm just going to throw my two cents in. I think 4x4 means it just has 4 wheel drive. Z71 is a package that has brush guard and off road suspension. Probaly more but I don't know.

Z71's usually come with skid plates, 265 tires, different shocks, different gearing in the differentials, tow hitch. Those are a few things that i know SOME times come on a Z71. I say sometimes for one reason, i had a 96 sierra 4x4 but it had the skid plates and factory to hitch. My 2000 silverado is a 4x4 but came factory with 265 tires as well as a hitch. Best way to tell the difference between your truck and your Friends is go down to the dealer and ask them to print out a sheet for what all your truck and your friends truck came with from factory, they did this for me with my 96 (for free). As for the brush guard that i think IF it did come with the truck from new would have been an added on option , not factory equiped. Just a thought.

well Z71 refers to a suspension package, but along with that package is often found those other options. It has better shocks, skid plate and I believe an upgraded air box system.

I'm Pretty sure it not a brushguard...but suspension is different, the hitch, gear ratio's i think are also different. a skid plate came with mine. I know size tires are diffeerent, and the z71 rims are different.

My 2003 1500HD has the Z85 suspension and only list 4x4 on the side. It is my understanding the Z85 is a heavier suspension. Is your friends truck a 3/4 ton? How many lugs on the wheels? Most of the trucks that I have seen that only list 4x4 are 3/4 ton trucks. and.....I may be way off base.

On a side note I put 2 1/2 tons of gravel on my 1500HD Crew SLT Sierra, 6.0L today, just made it squat a little. Swithed it in tow mode and pulled the long main road that is twisty,turny and was back up to sixty in not time. I was very very impressed with the performance and handeling with the load on.

All a Z71 has different that a regular 4x4 is bilstien schocks and a few skid plates, thats all and tires are an option on this option (245 or 265). Gear ratio and hitch's come as a different package. BTW, no truck comes with a brushguard.

no truck comes with a brushguard.

Hummers (H1's) do.

The difference between the "Z71" sticker and "Z71 Off Road" is the year(different stickers). As far as options, it's suspension(shocks) and skid-plates and a few other things and most of the time you'll find newer Z71s in upper trim packages. I have yet to see a true Z71(stickered from the factory) with hand crank windows. Also, a popular option coupled with the Z71 package is the autotrac x-case. Also, they typically come with the aluminum wheels, though I've seen a few without(although they could simply just have had the sticker).

When I bought my truck I had to get a Z71 due to the other options I wanted. It was hard or perhaps impossible to find an ext cab LS with the full console and tape player(thus push button 4wd), fender flares, and aluminum wheels and only in a 4x4 instead of Z71.

Typically the brush guard would be a dealership installed accessory
Jeb

On earlier Z-71's (I think it stopped in 2002) they used heavier duty torsion bars too. As of 2003, the bars are the same between the 4x4 and Z-71 models. BTW, the gearing is the same for all, EXCEPT, the Z-71's come with limited slip. Really, it's worth the extra $$$ if buying new, and it's a $750.00 add when selling/trading.

Thanks guys!

The Z71 has the skid plates, a locker rear axle, electric button 4 wheel drive engagement, and suspension and shocks designed for high speed off road performance, and a high price. The Z71 package is only availible on the more upscaled Silverados (not the base model).
Mine is a base model extended cab 4x4 (NON Z71) with the locker rear axle option, as well as skid plates, and heavy duty suspension. And I got the (better in my opinnion) lever operated 4x4 engagement. And I saved several thousand dollars over a Z71.

I have had both. The only differenence is that Z71 has bilstein shocks and a 3/8" aluminum skid plate up front

skipr wins
hes the only one that is 100% right

Not to say that CJ2A or TXAGG05 are wrong, but my dad's truck has come with prett much all of those options, rear locker, auto-4, fender flares, 265's, and skid plates all over. It's a '99 LS ext. cab 3/4 ton.

you can't get the "Z-71" package on a 3/4 ton but most of them come with everything a Z-71 comes with anyway

I belive the 4X4 is a heavier duty truck than the Z71 (at least around the 95 year models that is). First thing I noticed that is different between the two is that the Rear axle of the 4X4 is a much larger 14 bolt 10 1/2" rear end as compared to the Z71 and almost all 2 wheel drive models, (unless heavy duty) have a 10 bolt rear end. You can tell the difference real easy even while driving down the highway looking at other trucks rear ends. The 10 bolt will have two notches that are very visible at the bottom of the differential while the 14 bolt does not and is not as round. I have also noticed that the brake drums on the 4X4 are bigger (11 1/2" or something close to that) where Z71 has the (10 1/2") rear brake drum. I Also notet that the Z71 Torsion bars are a hair bigger than 4X4 (as stated above by moose in loose). I have seen a few, not mine 4X4 models with the same skid plates on it, Z71 has better shocks and both have the same amount of leaf springs in the rear.... I also have the rear locker with the manual 4X4 enguagement (I belive is better than the electric since I have seen a bunch of electric engaged transfer cases fail and doesn't seem as rugged as manual adding to the already complicated electrical system.) As for everything else, like power options, interier, 5.7 L engine, 4L60-E tranny, and front differntial are all the same. My opionion is that Z71 is way over rated.

You haven't been off-road'n till ya broke somethin

You can tell the difference real easy even while driving down the highway looking at other trucks rear ends.

Kinda like checkin' out another dude's package, isn't it?

Kinda like checkin' out another dude's package, isn't it?

Z-71 vs. 4x4 is...yes the rear locker, skid plates,and shocks, push button 4wd, and some minor interior options, a Z-71 actually sits about an inch and a half to two inches higher than a 4x4 as far as gearing isnt a factor. I have a 99' 4x4. auto 4wd, skid plates had factory aluminum wheels, 3:73 gears, tow package,hitch, no rear locker no bilsteins but skid plates. Every truck has its own quirks and blemishes.....My :2cents:

wow funny to see so many different stories! this was an older thread befor try doing a search? i listed from a book the exact differences between the 4x4 and z-71..oh and nobody has said that the z-71 has jounce bumper's!!

found it ok it say's z-71 will include -larger springs
-larger shocks
-jounce bumpers
-stabalizer bars
-high capacity air cleaner
-and either 245 or 265 tire's
-both the 4x4 and the z-71 can have locker ,skid plates,and push button 4x4
-no offence but my z-71 and my brother in-law's 4x4 sit the same height.

Not all Z71's have push button 4wd. And not all Z71's come with fender flares. Skipr is exactly correct and every other option is an option that can be chosen for any truck....4x4 or Z71.

I have had both. The only differenence is that Z71 has bilstein shocks and a 3/8" aluminum skid plate up front

I believe you are correct. You could get a Z71 with a non locking 3.42 axle, so the 3.73 locker is not mandatory. You could also have it with or without electronic shift 4x4. All trucks have jounce bumpers. If the truck has stamped steel wheels, either someone stuck the Z71 stickers on it, or swapped the wheels. A dealer can print a VIS report (vehicle inquiry system) from the VIN that will chow the exact options for your truck.

On the 2005's the chrome steel rims are standard. You can see the list of standard/optional features at http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/features/

i just purchased a 2006 Z71 off road (still being prepped) i looked underneath but didnt really check to see what skid plates there were and werent, i noticed there was a tow hitch, 265 tires, push button 4wd, vortec v8 5.3l, running boards, a different style chrome grill than the rest of the trucks on the lot, chrome doorhandles and mirror-backs. there is also like a chrome strip on the bumpers. i went to an auto mall and the dealer didnt know a whole lot if the stuff was stock or options that were ordered along with the tonneau cover and bugflector. also a bunch of bells and whistles inside that i wont ever use (i.e. on star, sattelite radio, which direction im driving).
Can anyone give me some insight into the quality of the 2006 z71 off road as compared to other years and 4X4s in regards to off roading and winter driving?
i assumed being an off road truck it would have a rear locker but it doesnt have anything indicating it does (i havent read the owners manual yet i havent taken delivery of the truck), is that an automatic thing that happens electronically when you press 4wd, like everything else on the truck? only non power option is the seats. i would prefer manual 4wd but im old school, im used to having to get out and lock the front wheels. haha.

if the truck is a 1500HD will it say 1500HD on the side, or are those rare? i saw it as an option on kbb when looking up the value of my truck, but thought chevy didnt have a "heavy duty" truck smaller than the 2500. one last question, how is the auto 4wd option...worth using at all? any insight would be greatly appreciated...i know a lot about motorcycles if anyone has a question!

i just purchased a 2006 Z71 off road (still being prepped) i looked underneath but didnt really check to see what skid plates there were and werent, i noticed there was a tow hitch, 265 tires, push button 4wd, vortec v8 5.3l, running boards, a different style chrome grill than the rest of the trucks on the lot, chrome doorhandles and mirror-backs. there is also like a chrome strip on the bumpers. i went to an auto mall and the dealer didnt know a whole lot if the stuff was stock or options that were ordered along with the tonneau cover and bugflector. also a bunch of bells and whistles inside that i wont ever use (i.e. on star, sattelite radio, which direction im driving).
Can anyone give me some insight into the quality of the 2006 z71 off road as compared to other years and 4X4s in regards to off roading and winter driving?
i assumed being an off road truck it would have a rear locker but it doesnt have anything indicating it does (i havent read the owners manual yet i havent taken delivery of the truck), is that an automatic thing that happens electronically when you press 4wd, like everything else on the truck? only non power option is the seats. i would prefer manual 4wd but im old school, im used to having to get out and lock the front wheels. haha.

if the truck is a 1500HD will it say 1500HD on the side, or are those rare? i saw it as an option on kbb when looking up the value of my truck, but thought chevy didnt have a "heavy duty" truck smaller than the 2500. one last question, how is the auto 4wd option...worth using at all? any insight would be greatly appreciated...i know a lot about motorcycles if anyone has a question!

What kind of motorcycles?

As far as the truck goes, it should have a rear locker, even non Z-71's did. Look in the glove box, and there should be a decal with a bunch of codes on it. In the upper left portion of that decal, there should be a G80 could, that's the rear locker option. There are also codes for axle ratios, but I'm fairly positive that they're 3.73's. The other Z71 options are the skid plates and Bilstein HD shocks, and of course the decals.

It would say 1500HD on the door, it would also have 8 lug wheels as they get the SF 14 bolt rear axle, front axle case should be the heavier version as well. I think GM did the 1500HD to drop the Light duty 2500's, not sure though. Also, don't use the Auto 4WD, if you're use to using 4WD you'll know when you need it. That Auto crap will wear out the transfer case a lot earlier, even says so in the manual! What it does is leaves the front axle engaged so everthing is turning, but the clutches in the transfer case aren't applied, not until the rear wheels are turning faster than the fronts. It's burning up those clutches, and I've seen that before. Also, the solenoid that applies pressure can wear out too, I've seen that happen and his truck no longer had four wheel drive, sucked because it was in the mid of winter. Also, 2006, good year, should be the 310hp 5.3 too I think, in 2005 they went from 300-310 from what I can remember.

The Z71 package changes from year to year. It is available on CERTAIN models, but can seldom be gotten alone, without adding additional options. I have been selling them for almost 30 years now off and on, and just about every year the options change.
This year the Z71 has another "option" available with it..the Z71 dash. It is REALLY nice. A carbon fiber kind of dash, with a Z71 decal on it. It is also available this year on just a 2WD model as well as 4X4s.
Just go to the chevy.com web site and then to the "build your own truck" link, Then set one up with a base truck, and add Z71 as an option to it to see if it is available on a base model reg cab, if not, then work your way up until you can add it. It will then tell you what is REQUIRED equipment to get the Z71 package on that vehicle. Some years it is nothing at all, and some years it has different things required just to get it added.
OR..you can go to the parts department and get a pair of Z71 stickers and put them on the sides of your ride. Most people will never know the diff. :)

to make this post short the 4x4 and z71 come with all the same options except the z71 comes with bilgstein shock where as the 4x4 comes with a more conventional shock.......... Thats the only difference!

You can get a choice of two Z71 packages. One is the Suspension Package, the second is the Appearance Package. However, you HAVE to buy the suspension package in order to BUY the appearance package, if you want it too.
This is what is included in both packages for 2011. Again, these items change year to year, but are usually pretty close.
(This is not opinion. This was taken directly from the Chevy Truck Web Site this morning.)
The suspension package is the package found on "most pickups" until you get up to the LT or higher levels, then you see more with the appearance package and the suspension package together.
Z71® Off-Road Suspension Package
Whether your maneuvering around a construction site or heading for some mud-slinging, off-road recreation, the legendary Z71® Off-Road Package lets your Silverado® take it in stride. It includes 46mm high-pressure gas-charged shocks, a 36mm front stabilizer bar and off-road jounce bumpers to absorb large suspension inputs. When your really into the deep stuff, the included Skid Plate Package is there to protect the truck undercarriage from rocks and debris. This package also includes an off-road air cleaner. front recovery hooks and Z71 decals on the rear quarter panels let everyone know your pickup is up to the challenge.
<LI id=Z71Price class=thirdColumn>$275 The Z71® Appearance Package
The Z71® Appearance Package, available on Extended Cab Standard Box and Crew Cab™ Short
Box models, includes body-color front bumper lower and center sections with body-color end caps, a body-color grille with chrome insert, unique Z71 decals, bright door sill plates, chrome recovery hooks, body-color outside mirrors and door handles and fog lamps. 18" aluminum wheels and 18" tires and front and rear Rancho® shocks raise the Z71 performance level even higher.


On LT models, "requires" Extended or Crew Cab models, Trailering Package and Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package.
Tires may be upgraded to on-off road tires. Not available with exterior color Imperial Blue Metallic or Steel Green Metallic.

On LTZ models, requires Extended or Crew Cab models and Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package. Tires may be upgraded to on-off road tires. Not available with exterior color Imperial Blue Metallic or Steel Green Metallic.

<LI id=WEAPrice class=thirdColumn>$1,245

yes it changes year to year but in 2000 the only difference was the bilgstein shocks... he didnt ask about 2011..... I have a 2000 4x4 with every option for either vehicle....... the only thing mine didnt have was the bilgstein shocks, which i have installed myself...

Looked at a "z71" several yrs ago at local dealer for sale, used, had low miles, think it was a 98 model, had a low price on windshield. Asked salesman about it, and he said it was not 4 wheel drive. Had the 265 all terrain tires on it, it setup higher than a 2wd truck, had the decals, but was just a 2wd truck. He said the customer must have ordered it that way. Also known as a pre runner. The previous owner may have just put the decals on it, and the wheels and tires off a 4wd..I know u can get a 2wd Z71 in the current new body style, but didnt think this was possible back in 98 for the old "classic body" style...

You all are right about the better suspension and skid plates but everyone forgot about the drive shaft in a Z-71 being a smaller diameter of a regular 4x4. They do this for more torque.