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Sold my Jeep. Time for a Silverado/Sierra. Questions...

FourString

By FourString
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FourString Rookie

FourString

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I made a thread a few months back asking about the pros and cons of these trucks. I am now finally in the position to buy one. I am looking to buy a 2003+ Silverado or Sierra. The truck will be my daily driver, and occasionally haul my Talon to the track. I MUST have an extended cab, 5.3, auto, and short bed. My main question is: What makes the Z71 Package so much better over the regular 4x4 model? I have had 2 people tell me to get the Z71 over a regular model. When I ask why, they simply reply with "they are better". What makes them better? Is it worth turning down a nice deal on a base 4x4 in favor of a Z71 that may or may not cost more?

 

Also, are there common places for rust to form other than the cab corners? I want to find a rust-free one.

 

Thanks for the advice in advance.

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BradyPPC Newbie

BradyPPC

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4x4 would be fine in my book. IIRC the Z71 is just upgrades shocks, skidplates, and tires. There could be more to it than that but I wouldnt pass on a good deal on a 4x4 if it has the options you are looking for. The 5.3 is a good motor, easy to work on, and reliable.

 

Most of the trucks we see are fairly new off the lot but I cant think of any common rust spots on the 03 and up trucks. The cab corners were a problem on the 88-98 platform but the 03 and up seem to be better.

 

The most common complaints I see are of the steering wheel clunk from the intermediate shaft, and irregular pad/rotor wear. Other than that the trucks are great.

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FourString Rookie

FourString

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4x4 would be fine in my book. IIRC the Z71 is just upgrades shocks, skidplates, and tires. There could be more to it than that but I wouldnt pass on a good deal on a 4x4 if it has the options you are looking for. The 5.3 is a good motor, easy to work on, and reliable.

 

Most of the trucks we see are fairly new off the lot but I cant think of any common rust spots on the 03 and up trucks. The cab corners were a problem on the 88-98 platform but the 03 and up seem to be better.

 

The most common complaints I see are of the steering wheel clunk from the intermediate shaft, and irregular pad/rotor wear. Other than that the trucks are great.

 

Upon doing some quick research, it looks as if the gearing may have been better in the Z models. It looks like they were all at least 3.73 as opposed to something smaller.

 

One thing for sure, you know trucks. I will take your advice. Thanks :)

 

Sold Jeep = Fail!!

 

I know. That will definitely not be the last one I own. I will find a Rubicon when I get out of college.

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Solo Vette Newbie

Solo Vette

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I may be wrong on this, but I think the other part of the Z71 was a limited slip rear axle, available on a regular 4x4, but I think standard on a Z71. No reasons I could think of to turn a deal down on a nice 4x4.

Hell if you didn't care about economy, and are willing to step down a year I have the perfect truck for you on the lot.

02 2500 HD Ex cab. 8100 V8.

We can also customize it with the cylinder deactivation feature...Just let me know and I will take four plug wires off of it.

I understand why you want one, but I kind of agree sold Jeep=Fail

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John Bruh Newbie

John Bruh

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z71 trucks are standard with a 5.3l. alot of car dealer's throw the badges on there to sell them. so if you open the hood and see a 4.8l its not a z71. Great trucks. I'd love to have a 2005 gmc slt crew cab short bed.
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FourString Rookie

FourString

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Let me know if we can help in any way.

 

Absolutely. Thanks!

 

I may be wrong on this, but I think the other part of the Z71 was a limited slip rear axle, available on a regular 4x4, but I think standard on a Z71. No reasons I could think of to turn a deal down on a nice 4x4.

Hell if you didn't care about economy, and are willing to step down a year I have the perfect truck for you on the lot.

02 2500 HD Ex cab. 8100 V8.

We can also customize it with the cylinder deactivation feature...Just let me know and I will take four plug wires off of it.

I understand why you want one, but I kind of agree sold Jeep=Fail

 

I'll keep that in mind. Sounds like a well engineered modification :D

 

The Z71 skidplates come in handy, trust me on this :)

 

I noticed that :lol:

 

z71 trucks are standard with a 5.3l. alot of car dealer's throw the badges on there to sell them. so if you open the hood and see a 4.8l its not a z71. Great trucks. I'd love to have a 2005 gmc slt crew cab short bed.

 

Yeah I wondered about that. Some places will try nearly anything to unload a vehicle. Luckily, I have the engine codes memorized for the VIN. V=4.8 and T=5.3

 

I will look locally for something until Monday. If I do not have anything by then, I will chase down some of the leads on AutoTrader. I already found a great deal on a non-Z71. I am now just trying to see if I come across a Z for an equal or slightly higher price.

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Drewhop Newbie

Drewhop

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I am pretty sure you can pick up (better) aftermarket skid plates for pretty cheap if that is going to be a deciding factor in which truck you buy. I think when I worked at the chevy dealership front and rear could be put on for less then 200 bucks but that was couple years ago.
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John Bruh Newbie

John Bruh

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Yeah I wondered about that. Some places will try nearly anything to unload a vehicle. Luckily, I have the engine codes memorized for the VIN. V=4.8 and T=5.3

 

I will look locally for something until Monday. If I do not have anything by then, I will chase down some of the leads on AutoTrader. I already found a great deal on a non-Z71. I am now just trying to see if I come across a Z for an equal or slightly higher price.

 

i sent you a pm.

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FourString Rookie

FourString

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Well, as some of you know, I picked up an 03 Silverado Z-71 today. So far, I love it. Anthony, you were right :D

 

A big thanks to Brady at PPC for checking it over for me and giving me a tour of the shop! I also had the chance to meet Scotty while I was there. Thanks again guys. Hope to be back soon :)

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FourString Rookie

FourString

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Get a cap on it and you'll pass for a grandpa....lol.

 

Sounds like a nice truck, looking forward to seeing it.

 

I'll get some pics up in my gallery sometime this week.

 

Can I ask why you got rid of the jeep? My buddy is giving me his and I havent been in one since I was a kid. Was it just not fun to drive?

 

Actually no, it was the funnest vehicle I have ever owned. However, driving 80 minutes roundtrip everyday with no AC is not an option anymore. I was sick of taking a shower, and then being covered head to toe in sweat by the time I got to college or work everyday. It was fun to drive, but I hated smelling like swamp-ass everyday. Plus, I wanted something that could tow the Talon to the track. I want to be able to romp on it without the worry of not getting home. Trust me, you will love the Jeep.

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FourString Rookie

FourString

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Its free for as long as I want to drive it. I have never driven one and thought it might be nice to cruise around with no top. Thanks man I will pick it up next week and see if I like it. Should be fun for summer anyways.

 

They are a B L A S T. What year is it?

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wnaplay1647545503 Newbie

wnaplay1647545503

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Not sure. He has had it for a few years. We replaced the transfer case on it and cleaned it up really good when he got it but it has been sitting for 2 years I think and hes tired of mowing around it so I will take it off his hands for a few months. I will post pics when I get it.
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FourString Rookie

FourString

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Not sure. He has had it for a few years. We replaced the transfer case on it and cleaned it up really good when he got it but it has been sitting for 2 years I think and hes tired of mowing around it so I will take it off his hands for a few months. I will post pics when I get it.

 

Round or square headlights?

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