Looking to buy a Z71

[zuma]

Well, I think its time to get rid of the dodge dakota 4x4 and trade it in on a Silverado 1500 Z71. I plan on buying an extended cab short bed, 04 or 05 with less then 25k on the clock. I do plan on getting an extended GMAC warranty as well. I am also looking at the 5.3 V8. I do plan on towing a small boat (17.5 ft) at times, up to 3000ft in elevation. I need the 4wd because of the sometimes snow conditions, (yes it does snow in California ;) ) I there anything I should be aware of in these trucks? My son just picked up an 02 and loves it...Any tips will sure be helpful!...thanks Mike:)

[ed3196499]

I have never had any problems with my trucks other than cab corners but being a cali truck you probably dont have that problem. My dad is still running his 89 chevy truck without any major problems but it is on its second helping of cab corners

[Philip]

My 96 Z-71 is still going strong with 206k miles on it. The newer ones should be even better trucks. The 5.0L has towed everything from travel trailers to to full size cars on trailers with no problems.A 5.3 is much more powerful and will do well. Have you considered a 2500? They cost about the same to buy and maintain, but will tow more, have bigger differentials and bigger brakes. The ride of my 2500 is actually a little better than my Z-71.

Ed are the corners rusting?

[ed3196499]

yeah the cab corners rotted clean thru but the rest of the truck held up pretty good

[TonawandaKid]

Mike,
I have a 04 bought it new.I love it Excab 4X4 5.3 auto trans manual transfur and 3.73's. If you do most of your driving on flat land then get one with 3.42 gears.If mostly hilly roads 3.73 are the way to go, less down shifting. The 05's have a smaller fuel tank 18gal.VS 26 gal for the 04's, they also have larger brakes in the front (must use 17" wheels,tires might cost more the 16") and went back to drums in the rear.Which ever year you buy you can get your PCM tuned for more performance.
Steve