UncleBubbles

New member here, and I'm looking at a 2000 extended cab stepside z71. Or so says the guy selling it. What did the z71 trim level bring to the silverado? Did some come with out the Z71 decal on the box? Also are there any problems with the 5.3 vortec? Anything that can be problematic in general with the truck? Thanks.

2wd-K5

usually had the decal, they have skidplates on the transfercase and front center section

Isanti Lawn Man

Z7I is the way to go if you are using it for non work(not a contractor and as a grocery getter or pulling the boat). The Z71 package usually results in the 16" or 17" rims, billstein shocks, front end skid plates as well as the gas tank and nicely equipped interior. In my opinion, the best year Silverado prior to the current model is a 2006 and 2007. 2006 they switched to the nicer grill and front end. You cant go wrong with any of Silverado though!!haha

zm1040

I have been told that the Z71 is the best suspension package you can get since it comes with (or usually comes with?) 4x4.
As to 5.3s, mechanics love them. They are great motors that last forever, and when they do go bad, they are super easy to fix and/or replace. My truck came with 132,000 miles, and I was kind of sceptical about it, but I have checked on ebay and you can get a 5.3 replacement with 75-125,000 miles on it for $500 or less (and those mostly come with a six month warranty). If you are nice on these motors, I have heard they can last way beyond the 200,000 mile mark.

For 2000-2001, I believe, there is a problem with the fuel guage/pump in some of the trucks. My guage does not read accurately, and displays LOW FUEL almost always when it's above a half tank. Less than half a tank, though, it usually reads fairly accurately.

therewolf

Hi UncleBubbles,

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

Remember first and foremost that "Z71" is merely an RPO CODE. To verify if the truck in question has the Offroad Chassis Package of a Z71, look into the glovebox at the "Service Parts Identification" sticker. You'll see about 5 dozen
3-digit alpha numeric codes.

If your truck is a Z71, you should see the that "Z71" is clearly amongst the other Regular Production Ordering codes listed on the sticker.(it should be somewhere near the last line of codes)

Generally the Z71 comes with skid plates, Custom Aluminum Rims, A G80 (that's right, another RPO) posi-rear, beefier shocks than standard, and a variety of other options, depending on the year.

Any truck style can have this chassis package integrated into the truck during manufacture, unless some other chassis package was used.

My girlfriend has a 2000 Silverado 1500, and we really like it. The 5.3Ls are pretty tough, powerful engines, but they tend to leak at the waterpump mounting gaskets. Fortunately, the WP's very accessible, and it's a fairly easy fix with RTV, if it hasn't already been done.

UncleBubbles

thanks for the help guys. if i do go and take a look at it, i will make sure to check in the glovebox to see if the "Z71" is there. on a side note what do used front bumpers go for? also the front fender tin?

therewolf

I'm sorry, I can't give any prices offhand, perhaps your best bet in this instance is to find it on the internet.

First, try autoanything.com, our local site.