Question On The Z71 Package

[tbone526]

I've got to say, the Avalanche has impressed me from the first time I saw one. I'm not an owner yet, but I plan on picking one up when the '03's come out (too worried about first-year bugs). Until then, I'm just suffering through an unrequited love from afar for the truck .

My question is: is there a downside to the skidshields that come with the Z71 package?

On the one hand, a little extra protection is always a good thing, but on the other, will they make servicing the vehicle (oil change, trans fluid, etc.) significantly more difficult or expensive?

I could be wrong, but I don't think most of the other items (different tires, shocks, air cleaner, and differential) will make all that much difference in everyday driving, so having them or not wouldn't be a deal-breaker when I go looking. I don't plan on doing any offroading, just the occasional lumber or drywall, or a possibly a small boat (that'll be the next goal after I talk the wife into the AV!).

Note to the Chief: Nice job on the website!

 

[argentte]

I just like the Sticker.

Actually, there are a couple benefits of the Z71 package. You do get a larger air cleaner. The tires are more aggressive, which isn't a big deal on dry pavement, but they rock in the snow.

Personally I think you would have to be on crack to do some serious off-roading in a $38,000 truck, but if you feel the need, the skid plates will come in handy. One thing that is a benefit though, living in the midwest, sometimes the slow plows and get some nice ice chunks built up that get back on to the roads, and your truck will still be protected. (I speak from exp.)

The only problem I have had with the skid plates is when doing an oil change. The plate actually extends back about a 1/2 inch beyond where the oil drain plug lines up above it. I like to let the oil drain till only a slow drip remains. (You can see where this is going) When you first remove the oil drain plug, the oil comes flying out past the plate by probably 8-9 inches, but when it gets down to that trickle, it starts flowing on TOP of the skid plate which is a pain in the butt to clean up. If you can get the vehicle on a slight incline when changing the oil its fine, but if its level, you're screwed.

Hope this helps.

 

[WesTexAVY]

Tbone,
I got my Avalanche in July and have since put over 11,000 miles on it. No Dealer visits and No Problems!!
The Z71 package is probably about a $750 option that I listed as a requirement when I was shopping for the AV. Besides, it makes your signature line look better:
Avalanche Z71 .....vs....Avalanche 4WD

I did have the exact same problem changing the oil that Argentte had. The skid plate and other dripped on surfaces took an extra 10 minutes to clean up

 

[Chief]

Dude - when you do the math the Z-71 package is a bargain for $835! ?Think about what you get:

1) ?17" wheels with oversized tires.

2) ?Locking rear differential (about a $250 option by itself)

3) ?Tuned shocks and springs giving you another 3/10 of inch ground clearance

4) ?Skid shields

5) ?Heavy duty air filter

6) ?Throw up on rubber floor mats that can hold a spilled Slurpee in them.

Now do the math on the parts versus the sum:

ASA TSR 17 X 8 rims are $169 each at Tire Rack

Click here

That's $676 spent

Goodyear Wranger AT/S OWL's cost $119 each at Tire Rack.

Click here

That's another $476 spent.

Mounting and balancing at say $10 a wheel adds $40. ?So you've dropped $1,192 on wheels and tires. ?Even if you got someone to pay you $200 a wheel on the OEM equipment, you're still our $400. ?Add the differential for $250 and now you're up to $650. ?Do the math on upgrading the air intake system and the throw up mats, as well as all the skid shields, and poof, the Z-71 package has paid for itself.

I'd drop the $835 in a heartbeat. ?Now the power sunroof for $1,095 on the other hand...

 

[Guest User]

Tbone,

I did have the exact same problem changing the oil that Argentte had. The skid plate and other dripped on surfaces took an extra 10 minutes to clean up

Yeah but a foot long piece of aluminum foil takes care of this problem before it even starts. The AV's not the only vehicle I've had with a skid under the oil pan drain -- just take a square of aluminum foil and lay it over the skid -- roll up the edges a bit and it'll catch the drip with no mess.

 

[PACKFAN]

Ever hit something in the brush you didn't see? I smoked my Grand Cherokee's pan on a discarded wheel rim. DOOHHHH!

 

[timcosco]

Yeah but a foot long piece of aluminum foil takes care of this problem before it even starts.

...and a foot long piece of aluminum foil offers about as much protection as the skid shields. I'd like to see something beefier as well as protect the gas tank.

Even so, I got the Z71 package on my Av.

 

[WS6Y2K]

...and a foot long piece of aluminum foil offers about as much protection as the skid shields. ?I'd like to see something beefier as well as protect the gas tank.

Even so, I got the Z71 package on my Av.

I think he was talking about the aluminum foil to help drain the oil and not drop on the skid plate and not to use the aluminum foil as a skid plate.

 

[timcosco]

I think he was talking about the aluminum foil to help drain the oil and not drop on the skid plate and not to use the aluminum foil as a skid plate.

I know what he meant... good idea. My reply was just a sarcastic comment in regard to the "skid shields" that come on the Av. Pretty wimpy IMO and they've got nothing covering the gas tank.

I have to be able to take this thing up some rocky mountain passes like I do with my Grand Cherokee.

It would be nice if the Z71 OFFROAD package included an extra inch or two of GROUND CLEARANCE and real SKID PLATES.

Just my opinion though. I'm lovin' this vehicle so far (except for the oil consumption problem).

 

[shafman1]

I know what you're talking about on the skid plate when changing the oil. I had the same problem with my 99 Silverado that I traded for my Avalanche. Anyway, I just shoved a shop rag between the oil pan and the skid plate and let it hang down a little. All the oil then dripped off of the rag into my oil pan (should say container since it's plastic).