I am getting close to retirement and want to get a Silverado. I have seen different ground clearances and want to know what option causes the height of the body to be raised, the Z71 sport package, 4x4? I am a short guy and want as low of a clearance as I can get and I am not interested in the truck being able to leap boulders or climb 60 degree hills, just haul around an ATV, snowmobile, lawn tractor or small fishing boat once in awhile.

 

This all sounds easy enough for a standard Silverado 1500-2WD. Assuming you're talking about a small fishing boat, and not doing much off road driving.

The 4WD model is a little better for you if you occasionally leave the tarmac.
Of course, the trim level and luxury options for any new vehicle are only limited by your preference and budget.

The 2500HD comes with a 2 inch body lift, and is made for daily heavy usage. The much-touted Z71 is an off-road package which includes a special rear-end, shocks, wheels, and a exterior decals. All this may not be right for you.

Just take a step back and look at the vehicle you're considering. If it's got a normal suspension, it should be pretty obvious. Most drivers say get the smallest V8 you can afford, if you're concerned about MPG. Also look into the possibility of getting the new six-speed tranny, but I believe you'd be getting the 342(think highway mileage) rear with that from the factory.

 

The new silverados the 1500 2wd and 4wd are the same height

Not true the frame is just taller on them.

 

My 07 2500HD sat what felt sorta high, for bout two months then seemed like the front end dropped some. Might just be all in my head, but it feels like it settled. When I park beside a 1500 my truck obviously sits higher, but you can look and see my frame is bigger, and I have bigger springs. It doesn't look like the I have a body lift though, bed is right on the frame.

But for Old Guy, a 1500 2WD Silverado sounds right. If you have the pocketbook a 4WD doesn't hurt but is more expensive to maintain because of the transfer case and front diff, more fluids to change.

 

Thanks all. I bet the difference in body height is readily seen in the truck type, i.e. 2500 vs 1500. I figure the 1500 will suit me just fine. Now I just need to explore this site to see what kind of problems are typical, if any.

 

another site you can look for problems on the silverado is carcomplaints.com put in the yr make and model and give all problems.

 

Oh, TOO TRUE, check the RPO code for the HD trucks and you'll see RPO code

--"HVY"-"Identification 2 INCH BODY RAISE, HD model"-

Furthermore RPO code Z85 states "chassis package: HIGH PAYLOAD, FIRM RIDE"

These RPO CODES are DOCUMENTED GENERAL MOTORS FACTS!

- as to whether the frame on the 3/4 ton pickups is "taller", or it is raised in any other manner over the 1/2 ton bodies, that remains UNPROVEN...

 

i don't have either one of those codes in my HD.

 

Please show me where that "HVY" RPO code is because i cant find it.

 

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/F-..._fart_.shtml#1 LOL