I need all your expertise help. . . I'm buying a new truck. This is what I need. I duck or deer hunt at least 45 days every year. So i need to have a 4x4 that is capable of going off pavement. I'm just finishing up college so I really don't want to spend over 16,000 at the moment. I know this is a boring request but I have to start somewhere.

Here is the question. I'm between 03,04,05 Z71s ecsb. Push button 4wd. pw, pl 5.3. What should I be aware of from each year. I believe e fans started in 05 which would be nice but im looking at the money thing. I had a rclb so I don't know if i can go all the way to a ccsb cause I believe the bed will be too small. any suggestions, comments, experiences would be much appreciated. Im only 22 so I have only bought 2 vehicles and I'm technically new at this.

Thanks for the help, in advance. Just remember it has to be off-road worthy. I know that's a for some of you. Thanks guys!!

 

Being an avid outdoorsman I can honestly say I liked my CC better than my EC. Having more dry lockable space is better than the bigger bed. You can always put stuff on a small utility trailer if ned be. If youre handy with a wrench Id get as high a mileage good condition truck as you can. You save money on the entry point and have more money to mod with. Replace teh trans with a good built one, high mileage 5.3 with an LQ4 etc. Ill never buy another low mileage vehicle as long as I can find one with a good body and the interior is nice. Hell my 01 has 185K on it and the interior looks like brand new.

 

I hear ya on that. I will miss the 8 foot bed some times but it will be nice to get to drive every once in awhile. I always have everything we need in my truck and when I don't drive we seem to forget more. hahaha I'm looking at a few that have kind of high miles, but i figure it's a chevy so it will last. . . . hopefully

 

Post up links to the ones youre looking at and we'll help you look em over and tell you how much theyre worth

 

biggest change from 03 to 04 was return to returnless fuel setup. from 04 to 05 you got 17" wheels, bigger front brakes, rear drums, efans, bigger rad, and hd hood.

There isnt a huge difference between them for what you are wanting, just get the one with the nicest interior and body and have at it.

 

06 got the HD hood and grille only 05 HD trucks got the new grille and hood

05s dont have to deal with the POS ebrake setup on the rear disk trucks. I cant tell you how many of those damn ebrake shoe ratainers Ive replaced between my truck and various other peoples. Even the supposed "fix" retainer Gm sells doesnt always work.

 

This ccsb 05 white Z71 I'm going to go look at tomorrow. The miles are a little high, but form the pics this looks like a clean truck. I really like this one so tell me what you guys think on this one.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...pe=b&make=CHEV

Here is a white ecsb Z71.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&seller_type=b

Here is an 03 but it has 69,000 miles

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...pe=b&make=CHEV

I do like the e fans and bigger brakes. I'm kind of between a crew and extended. They both have their pros and cons. As far as the years go, I like the 06 the best, they look clean from the factory but $$$ is an issue. I'm really liking that 05 ccsb. If I get a crew cab, I'll have a UWS toolbox for sale.

 

Id offer them 13 out the door for that crew, not a penny more. Its basically, a basics truck with high miles. If everything looks good and runs good on it Id jump on it but ONLY if they take 13 out the door which would mean youd be getting it for a little under 12 before TT&L.

 

I haven't called them yet, but I doubt they would take 13 out the door. Taking roughly a $2800 hit doesn't sound like something a salesman wants to do. haha But I'll give it a shot and see what they say.

 

I know that the 2006 4x4 Extended cabs had the L33--Alum. Block 5.3 rated at 315 HP. Not sure if it was offered on the 05's or 07's or not. It was only offered on the extended cabs though.