well 94 on back is all the old school stuff...TBI, old interior...etc. 95 went to the new interior, but kept the tried and true TBI. 96 switched to the Vortec engines. I got my 96 350 Vortec with NV3500 tranny (5-speed manual) and an NP241 T-case(shifter in the florr, as opposed to those damn buttons)...all this with 79,000miles and a flawless body for 14,900. now this truck is in perfect condition, never driven off pavement more than a dirt driveway to get to the horses..she trailered only one horse at a time so it wasn;t abused. only scratches were in the bed..and only three oif those through the clear coat.
Pops just bought a 96 cheyanne (base line truck with no options) that has the 4.3Vortec and it had 98,000 miles for 6,500.
The Z-71 package consists of topof-the-line billstein shocks, skid plates, a sticker, and a larger price tag. I"m glad i got the Z-71 instead of the 4X4, but if you;re going to lift it don;t bother with the Z-71. you'll end up replaceing everything but the sticker.
Hope this helps.
---Peacock

If it hasn't broken, let your girlfriend drive it...it'll break real quick

 

I am not in KY, but I do have a 94 Z71 standard cab, shortbox, stepside for sale. The truck has 145000 miles on it, but the 5.7 runs great, and burns no oil. Everytime I drive it, I find it hard to believe it has that many miles on it. I put a new GM NV4500 in it about 12000 miles ago, and just put on new 265/75R 16 Big O bigfoot XT's (lifetime warrenty, almost) in January, less than 2000 miles. This truck was my everyday driver for 2 years, and has been completly trouble free. I just decided that since I have only used it as a truck once since I have owned it (flat towed my Jeep to Moab a year ago), that a sports car (Dodge Stealth RT TT) would be more fun, and get better mileage, and I bought that car 2 weeks ago. I really don't want to sell it, but I can't afford 3 vehicles, so the Z71 has to go. I am asking $8500 OBO.

Ray

 

Dont worry about getin a Z just find a truck that is in good shape and doenst have tomany miles on it.
I bought an 89chevy 3/4 ton 4x4,140k when I bought it it now has over 200k and is still running stron and burns no oil.
its a scotsdale, so it doesnt have ac, or any other uneeded items,
its a damn good truck

89 chevy reg cab 4x4,285x75x16's on 16x8 baja wheels, no lift, 200k on stock 350, and a paint job I just satarted.

 

Z71 package consists of uprated torsion bars and rear springs (so it sits a little higher and rides a little rougher), 265/75R16 tires (hopefully the original tires won't still be on there by now), skid plates under the front diff and transfer case and one that goes from the frame behind the bumper to the IFS crossmember (this last one can be aluminum or plastic, try to find a metal one), Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks (which hopefully won't be on by now), the sticker, and I'm sure I'm forgetting something else.

Like u4ia4 said, if you are going to lift it, you might be better off just getting a regular 4x4 truck. Depends on the lift. With some of them all of it stays except the front skid plate, shocks, and diff skid plate. With others the only thing that is left is the stickers. If you aren't going to lift it, but still take it offroad, the Z71 is a good option. My fiance's first big American truck will probably be a Z71. Slap some 285/75R16 tires on there, build up the motor a little, and do the usual improvements, and let her have fun.

It depends on what you want to do with it.

1992 Blazer Sport, 350 TBI, 3" Flowmaster 40 DF, 4L60, K&N, Rancho 2.5" lift, 285/75R16's on 16x8 Bajas /wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif

 

The Z71 package also came with a larger air cleaner. As others have pointed out, by the time a truck is of the year you are looking for, most of the Z71 package is gone except for the sticker, skid plates and air cleaner. So don't pay significantly more for one just because it is a Z71. I am not putting them down, I have a 98 that I bought new. They are worth buying new because the package doesn't cost that much and you get the upgraded tires and shocks. Just don't let that magic sticker make you pay more than you should for an older truck.

 

Just keep in mind that the Z-71 option cost only around $300 on a new truck, so make sure you don't pay a bunch more for a used Z-71 than a similiarly equipped non-Z-71 truck.

Here is a couple of other things I've noticed with Z-71's and the options, in regards to some comments I read regarding this post.

- skidplates - these were available as a separate option on non-Z-71 trucks
- larger air cleaner - I don't think this became an item until the new ('99) Silverados came out.
- upgrade torsion bars and rear springs - again, I believe these were offered as a separate option on non-Z-71 trucks
- upgraded tires - Z-71 uses the same tires as available on non-Z-71's

Basically, the only unique option the Z-71 offers are the Bilstein shocks (anything over 60K miles would probably need replaced anyway) and the sticker.........



6.2Blazer

 

i'm with the above posts. here's some BASIC info that applies to the trucks up to '98....this is does not complete GMs line of stuff.

on the '94 and up trucks, the auto trannies will be: 1500 - 4L60E(M30) and 2500 - 4L80E. both are capable trannies. 'E' for electronic. if you plan to work either hard, then you'll need an auxillary cooler. i believe the Z71s came with the extra oil cooler(mine has it), but its an option on trucks as well. up to '93, the auto trannies were the 700R4 (??) and 4L60

the tcase: NP241 - on the floor lever; 4Hi, 2Hi, N, 4Lo

stocks gears: 3.42s(GU6), 3.73s, 4.10s - would someone post the codes, pleeease?

rear diff: 10 bolt(8.5"), 12 bolt, 14 bolt (SF/FF) - the bigger the beefier

* 4x4s have Gov-Lock(G80), which is a posi-traction system.

wheel lugs: 1500 4x4 16" --> 6 on 5.5"......1500HD/2500 16" --> 8 on ?"

TBI 350: 210hp, 300ft/lb torque
vortec 350(CSFI): 255hp, 330ft/lb torque

Shorts <-- It's not what you think /wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

 

personally, i would look for a 95 because they still have the TBI 350 so theres a lot less computer stuff, but they have the new interior that looks good. make sure you get the towing package - it has both transmission and oil coolers and will have the hitch and wiring and all that good stuff. other than that, just look for the typical stuff to make sure the truck is in good shape both mechanical and body. just so you know, i have an 89 with the 350tbi and i still get 17mpg on the highway with 160k so you will notice a great increase over your bronco!! i know cause several friends have them and the mileage sucks!! haha. good luck on the hunt.... from what i see in the papers, you should be able to find around a 94-95 for that price

Mike ~

89 Chevy K1500 - 350TBI/700R4/NP241 - 3" lift - 33's

 

Shorts,
You left me out babe. what about us guys with the NV-series trannies? I feel like an outcast now.

Does anyone know POSITIVELY if the oil cooler comes with the tow package? I know i don;t have one and i do have the tow package. Did i get the shaft, or is it becasue i have a 5-speed manual?
---Peacock

If it hasn't broken, let your girlfriend drive it...it'll break real quick

 

Honey, you got the shaft /wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif no really, i'm not familiar with GMs manual trannies. but i bet you know about them, right?? /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif

my truck did not have a tow package. anyone know the code for the tow package?? i do have the heavy duty cooling system, RPO code: V08. maybe that option contains the auxillary oil cooler.

Shorts <-- It's not what you think /wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

 

Just a clarification on the comment "4x4s have Gov-Lock.....".
This was an option, so not all 4x4's have it.

6.2Blazer

 

yup, Gov-lock was an option. RPO code....G80.
AS for the manual, I was told my ....perhaps undertow, that i have the NV3500....which isn;t as good as the NV4500...thats about the extent of my knowledge. Anyone know the RPO code for the NV3500...if there even is one. if not where is the ID # on it?
---Peacock

If it hasn't broken, let your girlfriend drive it...it'll break real quick

 

look on the top, left side of the case, near the bell housing for the NVG 3500/4500.

Shorts <-- It's not what you think /wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

 

and you said you didn't know anything about the sticks. thanks for the info.
---Peacock

If it hasn't broken, let your girlfriend drive it...it'll break real quick

 

Well guys, I have looked at what yall said, and wanna give a little more info. The truck won't be trail ridden and will prolly never have mud tires on it. I will put on some 32 BFG AT's, and dual exhaust. Teh offroading it will see will be dirt or grass fields and roads. So the 350 TBI is a really good motor? Also, can you nto order soem Z71 stickers from a place and put them on the truck, a friend of mine did. Because, If im gonna have to replace the shocks anyway after I get it someday, and yall said the rest is really skidplates adn stuff, I could haev a clone almost. Anyone done this. Just for info, whats the low range in 93 on back t cases, adn the 94 and 95 low range. Please post yalls in town MPG causeI drive around town the most. Also I see allot fo people putting in CHIPS in these chevies. Are these worth the money and how easy to install? Also, what packages can I expect to see, like silverdao, cheyenne, what years came with what from say 92 on up to 95?? Thank you so much.

Mooseykat

 

YUP, IN MY MIND IF YOU ADD THE SKIDS AND THE SHOCKS, YOU MIGHT JUST AS WELL HAVE THE STICKER ON THERE TOO. YOU CAN ORDER THEM, BUT I"M NOT SURE WHERE....MOST LIKELY THE DEALERS WILL HAVE THEM...YOU MIGHT WANT TO ASK A GUY THAT GOE BY THE NAME OF IM2HI4U LOOKS LIKE HE HAS SOME NOVELTY Z-71 STICKERS BUT ON HIS BIG RIG.
iN TOWN I GET ABOUT 16-17 MPG. OF COURSE I HAVE A STICK AND REV THE ENGINE JUST ABOUT EVERY THIME I COME TO A STOP...SO I'M SURE THAT EFFECTS THE MILAGE A BIT...AND I'M NOT KNOWN FOR MAKING SLOW STARTS. SILVERADO IS MORE OR LESS THE DELUXE PACKAGE...AND OF COURSE YOU CAN GET TRIM OPTIONS ON TOP OF THAT. THE CHEYANNE IS MORE OF A BASIC TRUCK....HAS RUBBER MATS INSTEAD OF CARPET. I GOT THE SILVERADO, BUT IN A COUPLE OF YEARS I'M GOING TO SWITCH THE CARPET TO THE RUBBER....EASIER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
i CAN'T HELP ON MUCH OF THE OTHER STUFF. JUST GENERALIZATIONS.
---PEACOCK

If it hasn't broken, let your girlfriend drive it...it'll break real quick

 

the skidplates are available at any chevy/gmc dealer for around $20.00 to $30.00 plus the brackets.

1995 K1500 3"Suspension 3" Body Lifts 35x12.5x15's pro comp MT's on 15x8 5.7L

 

U4ia4- That was me that told you about your tranny and the NV3500 is pretty well the same trany as the Getrag which is ok for mild use but sucks big time for off-roading!!


Ryan

93 GMC Yukon
76 GMC 1 1/4ton XMilitary 4x4

 

The codes for 3.73 are GT4, 4.10 is...can't remember...you'll be lucky to find one with 4.10s anyway...

90K5

 

Oh yeah...some of these trucks have a 14 bolt semi floating rear end, which is a lot stronger than the 10 bolt that most of them have. Its kind of vague on what optoins you need to get one, the easiest way to find out is to go under there and count the bolts on the cover. If yous are not going any higher than 32's, its not a big deal, just something to look out for and consider.

The 350 TBI is a great engine. I have one in my '90 K5 Blazer, has 138K on it and still running strong, has a power chip in it from before I bought it, but honestly I wouldn't put one in, you have to run 93 octane, and that gets expensive, you don't really gain much anyway.

If I were you, don't worry about what you get, Z or not, the 4x4's are just as good...actually if you drive them how most Z71 drivers drive their trucks, on the road, you'd probably like the 4x4 better for the smoother ride.

90K5

 

Ok great info guys, by the way, has anyone seen hp numbers after a true dual exhaust on the 350 TBI rise adn if so how much.This last question is purely fun but Id like to know just forfun of course, hows the tire laying ability in these trucks. Are you all able to put it in drive and hammer it, will it spin? I know in my bronco, it only does it in teh rain and going around corners!! I guess Id liek to show off some in the new truck. What type diffs came in these trucks. Did any of them haev full locked rears or just limited slip? Is it true that you can back a limited slip truck up about 10 feet adn it locks it fully for good ol posi burnouts?? Id like to hear that these bad bowties can be put into drive adn hammered to see both back tires roasting away!!! How bout it.

Mooseykat

 

We had a little talk about "cloning" a Z a while back. Check it out http://bbs.off-road.com/wwwthreads//showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=offroadchevstandard&Number=278899&page=&view=&sb=&vc=1#Post278899

Ryan

"There's no pressure on me when I'm in a race car. Hell, that's when I'm relaxed; that's the best time in my life" 9/7/1987

 

As far as diffs, limited slip was not standard in a Z71. It was an option. I believe the standard equipment that differs on a Z71 from the base truck are the shocks, torsion bars, skidplates, bigger tires and decals. Everything else is a option. Everyone is right, don't spend extra money for the Z71 package, esspecially if you are planning on lifting it.

Ray

 

"posi" rearend option can be found in the glove box...usually in the far right hand column of RPO codes. look for G80
---Peacock

If it hasn't broken, let your girlfriend drive it...it'll break real quick

 

im have no admiration for z-71's, but your best bet is with a '96vortec. at least youll have something to build on.

everything's bigger in TEXAS!