04 Tahoe

[04BlkTahoe]

Ok first off Im new here and I had some questions hopefully you can help me with. Secondly this will only ever be my 2nd car that isnt a Ford. So Any help is greatly appreciated.

I'm going to be looking at a 04 Tahoe with the Z71 Package on it. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for or take a extra close look at?

Also what options are included with the Z71 Package, is it just stiffer shocks or what all does that generally get you?

Is there any maintence issues that are going to arrise shortly that are big? The vehicle has 50k miles on it.

What is the normal payload for these vehicles to be able to tow?

Thanks for your help and if theres anything else I may need to know its appreciated also.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[ugachs24]

The 2004 Tahoe Z71 is a great truck, I've had a 2003 Z71 (put 115k miles on it) and I have a 2004 Tahoe LT as a second car. 2004 was one of the better years for the Tahoe, they made a couple minor changes for the better.

The only two big problems that are fairly common on these vehicles are the Intermediate Steerings Shafts and the instrument cluster. I have had both replaced on both the 2003 and 2004. The ISS will start making a grinding/popping feeling and noise when it is going bad and the instrument cluster has a few quirks, sometimes when it is going bad it will quit suddenly (the spedometer or something will quit) and sometimes it will start clicking or something like that. There is a recall out on the instrument cluster, they will replace it until the truck has 70k miles, but they will only replace it if you are experiencing the problems.

The Z71 has a stiffer ride than the LT model but it is better off-road. I put some Michelin LTX/MS tires on the Z71 since it was always driven on the interstate and that helped soften the ride, but the LT still rode better even with stock tires. I put 115k miles on the Z71 before we traded it for an '08 and it was really troublefree besides the ISS, instrument cluster, and a couple minor transfer case problems.

Go for it, it's an awesome truck. I tow a 5000lb trailer a couple times a year and it pulls just fine, it tows like a dream. It seems like the max towing limit is somewhere near 6700lbs, somebody else can confirm that.

 

[04BlkTahoe]

Ok thanks for the reply. So basically just the springs are stiffer on the Z71 thats the biggest diff?

 

[bahollis]

Few minor differences...

...in the body styling too.

The Z71 has a bulkier luggage rack, gray valance (with round fog lights) and lower body molding, and usually has painted bumpers. The grille insert is usually paint matched too. I'm not sure if this is Z71 only, but 4W Hi and Low are on the Z71. My LT only has 4W Low, and stabilitrac option.

I really considered buying a Z71 when I bought mine, but I could not justify the extra $$$ for the body styling, because I was realistic when I thought about the 4WD . I'll probably never need 4W Hi since I live and drive on city streets 99.9% of the time. I have used the 4W Low to drive on slippery stuff off pavement though.

I bought my 2004 LT 4WD and I love it. I may not ever really need the 4WD, but it's nice to know it's there if I do.

Good luck!

BH

 

[ugachs24]

Yeah, pretty much exterior styling and firmer suspension. I just double checked and max. towing for the 4x4 models is 7800 lbs depending on gear ratios.

bahollis- most 4x4 LS and LT's have the 4x4 Hi and Low setting, only the ones with Autoride had only the low option.

Heres a link to the online 2004 Tahoe brochure, it gives a good idea of different options of the LS, LT, and Z71 models.
http://www.gmcertified.com/certified/pdf/2004/04Chevrolet_Tahoe.pdf

 

[04BlkTahoe]

Cool thanks I'll have to check that out when I get home. And thanks for the other help to yall

 

[bahollis]

diffs.. cont'd

17" rims on the Z71 too.

 

[ugachs24]

17" rims on the Z71 too.

Does yours not have 17's? I thought it was standard on the LT and only the LS had 16's. Mine has 17'' but the Z71 is a different style.

 

[greengumby]

i got the 17's on mine and they are the same as the z71s

actually i'm going to be running the 285's soon upgrading from the 265/70/17's