What does Z71 mean?
 

I am looking at a 1994 Z71. Could someone please tell me what features are included in the Z71 package? I would also like to know if all Z71s are 4x4.
Or, does anyone know of a website that I could go to in order to get this information?

z71 is a offroad package..... so yes its 4x4 pretty much its got beefier leafs in the back and better shocks lol oh and its got skidplates

Alright, thanks for the information.

Back in '94 it meant 4wd and skid plates, the newer ones aren't all 4wd.

Hi Poopsiodoo,

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

In strictest parlance, the term "Z71" is a regular production ordering(or RPO) code which decodes to "Chassis Package: Offroad". At one point or another, the term caught on with the buying public, who now revere it as a titan amongst trucks. Due to it's popularity in some circles , in 1988 Chevrolet started literally posting distinctive Z71 decals on the rear fenders of it's trucks included with the package.

In order to VERIFY the truck is actually a Z71, look in the glove box at your service parts identification sticker(home of the RPO codes for each specific truck) somewhere near the bottom, you should see, in amongst the other three digit alpha-numeric codes-"Z71"- If it's not there, it's not a Z71. The Z71 fender decals aren't hard to come by.

The specific RPO package changes from time to time, but generally you get:
Bilstein shocks
A G80(posi) rear
Skid Plates
Fog Lamps
Special 5-Spoke Aluminum Custom wheels
amongst other assorted goodies.

While it is technically possible to get a Z71 in 2WD, most would question your sense and sanity if you actually tried to go off road on a regular basis without 4WD. (and a good winch).

Dude! great info about how to confirm a Z71 - the RPO code.
There musta been 100 RPO codes in the glove compartment but sure enough on the last row there it was "Z71".
The guy I bought my Sport Sidestep from put some decals on it and I was questioning whether it was a real Z71 or not but I just confirmed that it was so now I am a happy camper!

Thanks Therewolf, that was very helpful.

Is this true? I'm not 100%, but what I noticed is, one you get a little slip in one wheel. The other one engages. Does that sound right?

yes its called a limited slip