I am looking at buying a new pickup and have talked to quite a few people about what options to get and not to get. Most people have agreed on the following: get the extended cab, don't get the Z71 suspension (rides rougher and isn't any better off road) and get the G80 (locking differential). My local dealer has the exact truck I am looking for minus the G80. My question is do I really need the G80? The truck is equipped with 4-wheel drive and autotrac. I understand the reasons for having the G80, but I would think that autotrac would work just as well in any situation. What do you guys think?

 

could you really tell a difference between a z71 and 4x4 suspension? not absolutly positive but i think all z71s have bilstein shocks.
i figured all of the non stripper model 4wds were z71s since thats all i see round here.

anyways i would get a lockin rear in a 4wd, it will help, why do you think people put full lockers etc in their mud trucks. the truck will hookup and go alot better than the peg leg.

 

I would say go with the locker. Unless you plan to put an aftermarket in say an Auburn or a Detroit. The Z71 has Bilstein shocks in it and underbody skid plates. Although I was on GM's website today and it would seem that the new trucks are getting red Monroe shocks. Hah!