Wow, haven't heard this discussion for awhile..........
The original Z-71 package (started sometime after the introduciton of the new style in '88):
- Bilstein shocks
- skidplates, but these could be ordered seperately on any truck
- they may have had heavier torsion bars, but again nothing you couldn't order seperately on any other non-Z71 truck
- sticker
- did NOT include the Gov-lock, had to be ordered seperately but a majority of them had it
- did NOT include lower gears, 3.42 were standard, 3.73 were optional just like any other truck
- did NOT sit higher
- did NOT have special tires.....I've seen Z-71's with steel wheels and the standard 245/75 tires
- did NOT have more horsepower
- did NOT hold up better off-road
The shocks were really the only unique improvement over any other truck. Just look at the original Z-71 option cost and it was probably less than what a CD changer option cost.........
The Z-71 package slightly changed with the '99 revised trucks:
- Bilstein shocks were no longer included
- added a "high capacity air cleaner".......woohoo....but I think it was available seperately also as part of another package (snowplow maybe?)
- the Z-71 option cost decreased even more
Again, the locking diff and gears were completely seperate options. My dad had two post-'99 Z-71 trucks and I couldn't find anything about them, besides for the sticker, that you couldn't get on any other truck.
The biggest change I believe started with either the '05 or '06 model year trucks as "Z-71" moved from an option to an actual model of truck (like "LS" or "LT"). I believe it now comes standard with more options like the locking diff and some other stuff.......and cost increased proportionally.
In any case, if you really want a Z-71 truck.........save your money and buy a regular truck and then simply buy the stickers from the dealer...........
