I just committed to buy a 2012 Sierra 4x4 ext cab with the z71 package with 18 wheels and Bridgestone Duelers. The truck had everything I wanted except I didn't ...

I just committed to buy a 2012 Sierra 4x4 ext cab with the z71 package with 18 wheels and Bridgestone Duelers. The truck had everything I wanted except I didn't necessarily want or need the Z71 option. did However, I initially didn't think it was a big deal. But after chatting with some friends I am now concerned the ride may be too rough for my liking. This truck will be used to tow a travel trailer occasionally to frequently but is also going to be the daily driver for my wife and I when I retire. Am I going to be bounced around in this truck or will it give me the comfortable ride I need. I can still back out of the deal but hate to because I got a fabulous price on it and it is beautiful.

I have had Z71's and non Z71's i dont notice any diff in the ride. i say go for it

shay

I'm pretty sure the z71 package is now more of an apperence package then anything else

dieseloutlaw270 wrote:I'm pretty sure the z71 package is now more of an apperence package then anything else

he is right there is no off road package anymore it is a z71 appearance package..... that is colored matched bumper,mirrors,decals, and the 18" wheels. the off road skid plates and shocks are not in different packages like the trailer package and snow plow package

johndeere9203 wrote:

dieseloutlaw270 wrote:I'm pretty sure the z71 package is now more of an apperence package then anything else

he is right there is no off road package anymore it is a z71 appearance package..... that is colored matched bumper,mirrors,decals, and the 18" wheels. the off road skid plates and shocks are not in different packages like the trailer package and snow plow package

INCORRECT..........There are both a Z71 off road package, AND a Z71 Appearance Package. The Z71 off road package comes with the skids, jounce bumpers, larger front stabilizer bar, and tennoco shocks (black).
The Z71 Appearance package come with upgraded Rancho shocks, painted front end & mirrors, Chevrolet door sill plates, Z71 instrument cluster, 18" wheels, chrome recovery hooks, larger Z71 decals.

They are two different options. I own one of each and the Rancho shocks that come with the appearance package are a little stiffer than the black shocks on the regular Z71 package.

Thank you for clearing that up

For those of you having a hard time understanding that they are two seperate options, here's some info. from Chevrolet. (From my 2010 sticker)

Z71 Appearance Package $995 (the price is from my 2010, it costs much more now)
P265/65/R18 ncludes 18" x 8" aluminum wheels, P265/65R18 on-/off-road, raised white-lettered tires, fog lamps, body-colored outside mirrors and door handles, unique "Z71 Plus" decals, sill plates and instrument cluster, chrome recovery hooks, Rancho front and rear shocks, unique front bumper lower fascia with smooth surface, body-colored grille with unique chrome insert.

On the GMC Sierra, it's called the All Terrain package and is also available in colormatch (colormatched all terrain package)

Z71 Off Road Package
46mm shocks, 36mm front stabilizer bar, off road jounce bumpers, skid plate package, off-road high capacity air cleaner, front recovery hooks, Z71 decal

If it has the Z71 All Terrain package then you might want to reconsider. I had one and did not like the ride. What the All Terrain shocks (white Rancho) do it make every joint in the road fell like a railroad track, as best as I can describe. I once had to drive 50 miles on a rough paved back road and I was ready to park the truck and walk after about an hour and knowing I had to come back the same way made it worse. I had driven that same road in the past with a Z71 truck and it never seemed that bad. To me it was like a 3/4 HD especially in colder weather. I suppose one could live with it if they are the only one to ride in it but I often had passengers and on more than one occasion I had comments of it being a rough riding truck, e cab 4x4 Z71 Sierra SLT.

So if it has the Z71 with All Terrain pkg, you might not like it. That was the only thing I disliked about the truck. I moved up to a Sierra Denali and the ride is fabulous.

If that far into the deal get a good test ride (half day or something), not just around the block. The only person that can answer if the ride is acceptable is you after driving it. Shouldn't be a big problem if they want sell the truck.

good luck

i dont know why i even try anymore everyone says i'm wrong about everything. i'm glad there is so many experts on here. first i use and change my oil wrong than i dont know the difference between z71 and non z71......... wow really people? this makes me sick!!!!!!!!!!!