Silverado Z71 or Z71 Off Road

[Mark W]

Here is a question for you truck guys.....Is there a difference in the suspensions of these 2 models? I rented a Z71 on a business trip 3 weeks back. Had a great ride. Test drove same model yesterday except it was an "off road" Z71. This one had a bit of a harsher ride. Salesman was unsure about why and I did a search today and here is what I found on another forum

http://chevroletforum.com/forum/silverado-fullsize-pick-ups-21/z71-vs-z71-off-road-35595/

On yesterday's test ride I figured it being new accounted for the slightly harsher ride since the rental unit had about 20,000 miles on it.

What I really want is the exact ride I had on the rental.

Any advice really appreciated as I hope to do something soon.

 

[Triton20xHarris]

I think the "Off Road" one has stiffer suspension and the skid plates and what not on it. But not 100% sure

 

[tnfatguy]

Z71 is 2 wheel drive. Z71 Off Road is 4 wheel drive.

 

[bowtech06]

tnfatguy - 6/26/2011 3:36 PM

Z71 is 2 wheel drive. Z71 Off Road is 4 wheel drive.

I believe you are thinking of a z66 which is 2 wheel drive. Z71 s are 4wd. They have additional skid plates, different shocks and most have different gearing. I have owned 4.

 

[tnfatguy]

Chevrolet also makes a Z71 2 wheel drive.

 

[jusmangrum]

if it is a z71 then it is a 4 wheel drive not 2. the z66 is the 2 wheel drive with the upgraded suspension package.

 

[tnfatguy]

Starting in 2008 Chevrolet started making a 2 wheel drive Z71.

 

[Skeeter]

tnfatguy - 6/26/2011 9:18 PM

Starting in 2008 Chevrolet started making a 2 wheel drive Z71.

You are correct. You can buy a Z71 2WD truck. The Z71 package is a towing package...... thats it. Receiver, springs, shocks, posi lock. Z71 off road is the same thing just 4WD with additional skid plates. It will ride a little stiffer beings that it is a 4WD truck. But you can buy a 2wd Z71 truck.

 

[Mark W]

Thanks folks; I think I now know why the one I drove Saturday was a much harsher drive than the rental which was 4 wheel drive but not a z71 which from what I've read has stiffer shocks.