What is the Z71 suspension??? some more ???'s

[usmceric1]

What is the Z71 suspension and how does it differ from the "normal" 4x4 susp??

What is the difference between a 1500 and a 2500 and a 3500 etc... I know that they have different axles, but is the frame more heavy duty as well??

Can you make the 10 bolt axle any better without getting a 2500 with a 14 bolt??

Will I lose alot of mpg if I do a 3 or 4 inch susp lift??

Did Chevrolet change the material of gas tanks at some point in thier trucks, from stamped steel to plastic??

Would you get a GM Performance engine or rebuild your 5.7 with upgraded parts...opinion vs. costs....what would be the better route for more hp/tq and reliability. I would like to make at least as much as 340 crank hp and over 400tq. But I would also like it to last as long as the stock motor does.

I have a 96 Z71 ext cab w5.7


Thanks...my first truck so I have lots of ?'s

[mrjohnwayne]

not sure about the difference between z71 and 4x4.

The frames for the 2500/3500 should be the same but also should be bigger than a 1500.

you can probably get stronger axels for the 10 bolt but it will not do alot of good because you are still using a smaller ring and pinion etc..

I don't think lifting the vehicle would change mpg until you start regearing etc..

almost all auto makers use a plastic tank now

if you are going to spend the money a good gm crate motor will probably be the best bet. They will have a better warranty and be just as dependable as any other motor.

[usmceric1]

Okay not to many answers from all the knowledgeable people on this site. I found out that the Z71 has beefier shocks, and a sticker and thats about it.

Still waiting on a definitive answer on the 1500, 2500, and 3500 differences. I know that the bigger trucks have the 14 rear and some have solid front axles.....

So a 10 bolt rear isn't really all that great....much rather have a stonger rear axle, should have bought a 2500

I am also really thinking of the HT383E motor from GM Performance, drop in 340hp. Sounds great to me.

I am also thinking of switching to a plastic tank as mine is steel.

[436'd skylark]

the 8.5" 10 bolt is a good rear, with a very strong aftermarket/perforamance following. when properly built they can hold there own through 11 seconds in the 1/4. It will last you a long time if you put money into it.

You will lose mpg with a lift. the aerodynamics get all messed up when the truck goes higher.

as far as a motor, I'd go with a 383 stroker for torque. as far as rebuilding vs crate, that depends on your time and cash budget..

[mook6979]

z71 is just an extra shock in the front on each side and skid plates

[chevyguy]

Z71 has better shocks, Skid plates on the front and transfer case. Other than that its just a sticker. As for the rear diff. Look arounfd the local bone yard for a short bed 2500. They have 6 lug axles but are actually 8.5 ring and pinion 14 bolt diffs. Real strong and alot have gov lock traction devises in them from the factory

[Sneakysportsman]

Chevyguy is right, Bilstien shocks all the way around and stainless steel skid plates, ALSO No Z71 trucks came with less than a 3.73 gear ratio no matter 5.7 or 5.0 and all had P or LT 265 75 R16 tires.
4X4 trucks came with 3.42 3.73 even a 3.07 rear. They had P or LT 245 75 R16 or P 265 75 R16. All had a mechanical locking Diff, that was speed sensitive. It was part of the "Like a Rock" era of 1988.