Z66 vs. Regular av

[benicio]

I have been readng this website for a couple of weeks in anticipation of buying an 04. I am sure this has probably been covered many times but I have not seen the definitive answer. I am trying to determine if the Z66 package is really worth the $13XX. It seems like just some fancy decals and the 17 inch wheels. Are the shocks and springs actually better than the standard? I apologise in advance if this has been covered, and hope someone can ddirect me to the info.

Benicio

 

[dichris]

I have been readng this website for a couple of weeks in anticipation of buying an 04. I am sure this has probably been covered many times but I have not seen the definitive answer. I am trying to determine if the Z66 package is really worth the $13XX. It seems like just some fancy decals and the 17 inch wheels. Are the shocks and springs actually better than the standard? I apologise in advance if this has been covered, and hope someone can ddirect me to the info.

Benicio

You have to decide if the items listed below ( from Chevy website ) is worth the extra dollars!

Premium On-Road Suspension Package (2WD)

For the ultimate smooth, controlled ride in an Avalanche, equip your 1500 2WD with the available Premium On-Road Suspension Package and get features like Electronic Traction Assist to help maintain traction, P265/70R-17 all-season tires and 17" aluminum wheels, locking rear differential, load-leveling shocks at the rear with specially tuned shocks up front, and rubberized-vinyl floor mats.


When I ordered by 03 I made sure it had the Z71 off road package, as I felt it was worth it! I still think it was worth it... I like the looks of the bigger rims and tires and I do believe ALL trucks need some form of locking rear-differential.

So, if the Z66 is in your price range, I would say GET IT!
You don't want to say later, I wish I'd gotten that Z66 package!

dichris

 

[harleymb]

I recommend the Z66 package....The ride was better when I compared it to the base model and recently, in the rain, I tested the Traction Assist ....and, I definitely had much more control taking the same corner as I was accelerating......This safety feature could be priceless if it saves spinning your wheels when pulling into traffic on a wet surface.

The 17" wheels look alot better but that is just a visual benefit.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome in advance to the AV family!

Mike B
Tampa, FL

 

[02-Z66]

definitely the Z-66 over the base model. and if you are feeling froggy there is always the Z-71, and the mighty 2500. i kinda wish i had gotten the 2500 now that i look back. don't be like me. get what you want now. this way you will not be sorry later.

 

[RichUF]

If you ever find yourself off of the pavement without 4WD, you may be happy to have the locking rear diff that comes in the Z66. I think you can add this to the base model, but combined with the bigger tires/wheels, suspension upgrade, and traction control, I think the Z66 is a good value.

 

[ygmn]

Test drive both...over rough roads......you will like the Z66 a bit more....

It was worth it to me....

 

[Ghost]

Before I bought the 02, I researched the Z66. It was the best option I ever bought. Had a 3300 mile road trip last year and we were more comfy than a Caddy! (EXT excluded, I'm sure). I would recommend it....

 

[Roy]

Premium On-Road Suspension Package (2WD)

For the ultimate smooth, controlled ride in an Avalanche, equip your 1500 2WD with the available Premium On-Road Suspension Package and get features like Electronic Traction Assist to help maintain traction, P265/70R-17 all-season tires and 17" aluminum wheels, locking rear differential, load-leveling shocks at the rear with specially tuned shocks up front, and rubberized-vinyl floor mats.


If you're looking for a 2WD AV, then the Z66 package is well worth the money spent. Think about how much money you would have to spend to add these items to a base AV. I have 18K on my 02 Z66 and just the traction control and load leveling justify the cost of the Z66 package.

Roy Rogers
Tampa, Fl

 

[Chief]

Both the Z-66 and Z-71 packages are well worth the money. If you went out in the real world you wouldn't be able to upgrade to the 17" wheels and tires for the asking price on the sticker for the entire package, plus the other goodies you get, and increased desirability at trade-in. If you're getting a 2WD Avalanche say Z-66 please, and if you're getting a Z-71 Avalanche say Z-71.

I drive a Z-71 Avalanche. At first blush I was like, "nahhhhhhh," but when I saw what I got it became a no-brainer.

 

[n8wrl]

Z66 is a no-brainer. I have two and love it. Fabulous ride, locker can't be beat, and the load-levelling shocks are great for towing.

-Brian n8wrl

 

[benicio]

Thanks for all the opinions. It is always nice to hear from a current owner tha has some history with the vehicle. I have 01 Silverado 4x4 but I never really get it off road so that is why I am looking at the Z66. I agree that the 17 in wheels look alot better than the 16's, but I am looking at modding the wheels (18s or 20s)anyway. I had a 24 hour test drive in July and loved the vehicle but I couldn't find the 03 that had all the right stuff. With the recent increase in Rebates I am glad I waited.

 

[tedgamble]

The traction assist was perhaps the main factor that sold me on the Z66 instead of the Z71. I had a '98 Z71 (which we all know has 4WD). The 4WD was invaluable in pulling out into traffic on rainy days, because without it, the back end had a tendency to break loose (albeit it because of my heavy foot). So, if traction assist did not exist on the Z66 model, I likely would have purchased the Z71 model instead. I live in middle Tennessee, so we get a fair amount of ice in the winter. I will never have a pickup without either traction assist or 4WD.

So, to get to the reader's digest version of my post, to me, the Z66 package represents a good (read as less expensive) compromise between the base model and the Z71 model (if improved traction and handling are your deciding factors).

 

[mcrendog]

I totally recommend the Z66, it's WELL worth the price if you ask me. The traction control has helped me on several occations and the ride is so smooth.

 

[cottonhunter]

I am new to the Avy field, and loving it I must add. I just bought a new '04 and worndered the difference myself. The dealer had me test drive the Z66 and base model. I took the same path on EXTREMELY rough roads and they seem to ride the same to me. Both were like a dream, like riding in a caddy!