Any known issues that I should be aware of? Anything else that you could provide for me? - I'm new to this forum and I'm in the market for a ...

I'm new to this forum and I'm in the market for a new vehicle. My buddy has a 2005 silverado z71 5.3l with exhaust. Right now I have a 1998 Monte Carlo z34 that seen better days. All I ever owned was Chevys and I want something with 4x4 capabilities, so I turn do you guys for some advice.

What can you tell me about the years of 2005, 2006 and 2007 Silverado z71 5.3l's? Were there any known issues that I should be aware of? Anything else that you could provide for me would be appreciated.

Thanks,
The New Guy

I have a 2004, which is really no different from the years you have listed. The only problem I've had(2 times) and I know others have had is with the push button 4 wheel drive. There is some 12 dollar part that burns out and you cant engage your 4 wheel drive. The crappy thing is that it will cost close to 500.00 to get it installed and most aftermarket warranties dont cover 4 wheel drive. I've seen some 05 model 2500 silverados that have the floor shifter. I would try to find one of those.

Thanks for info LonestarEMT, This 4 wheel drive button your talking about. Do you know what the process they have to go through to replace this button. To me, it sounds like a easy process.

It's not replacing the buttons, this chip is somewhere in the system and they have to take your truck apart to get to it.That's why it cost so much to replace. If it was just replacing the push button system I could have done that. Just try to stay away from the push button system. The floor shifter is the best or if you go with an 07 (nbs) or newer you have a twist knob. The people I know with those have never said anything bad about them. I wish all trucks would bring back floor shifters, we rely to much on electronic 4 wheel drive and way too much can go wrong. You gotta give it to jeep they keep it all simple and it works. " If it ain't broke don't fix it"

I just bought a 2010 silverado and mine has the floor shifter. one of my buddy's has the push button and he hates it. he said he has had nothing but problems with that. other then that, he has had no problems with his. he has an 02 silverado. i personally wouldnt trust a computer to tell my 4x4 to engage. i want to know that it is actually done! go with the floor shifter.

That is so great to hear that chevy has gone back to the floor shifter option, only thought dodge was doing it for trucks. Did it cost extra? Now I'm wondering if I can get it in Texas. I know options sometimes are only available in certain regions.

it was actually cheaper then the one with the push button. i bought the LS instead of one of the higher end trucks for 2 reasons, this one has the floor shift 4x4 as apposed to the push button and mine is only the regular 4x4 instead of the Z71. i talked to alot of different people about the difference between the regular and the Z71, even the mechanics told me that the only real difference is the suspension. the Z71 has a better suspension and i figured since i am most likely going to cut it off anyways and lift it, no point in paying an extra 4Gs for something i am gonna have removed anyway.

I wouldn't worry about upgrading. I have read on other forums that the 4x4 has a better ride quality than the Z71

LonestarEMT wrote:I wouldn't worry about upgrading. I have read on other forums that the 4x4 has a better ride quality than the Z71

I tell my father in law my Z71 has the same ride qualities as his 84 vette lol

Im sorry, what i meant by better is more expensive. we all know though that more expensive doesnt always mean better. it is just a stiffer, more expensive suspension.