Welcome to the site, the difference between the two is that the Z71 has a 1" lift over your package (z85), different rims and tires, and a "skid-plate" which nothing more then a piece of plastic.

 

Welcome Aboard. The Z71 has taller tires so it sets a bit higher, large fender flares, monotube shocks, urethane jounce bumpers, the G80 locking rear diff, and tow hooks.

 

Since yours is an Canyon, the GMC equivalent to Chevy's Z71 would be their "OffRoad" package, usually indicated by a sticker on the bed in the same location you would find a Z71 sticker on a Chevy. There are also 4x2 Z71s available, not just 4x4. Same suspension setup though, just no transfer case and front diff.

 

Check your glove box for RPO codes you will either have a Z85 or Z71. They will tell you which model you have. Z71 had .5" wider rims and 265 instead of 235 tires. Other differences have been stated already.

 

Welcome Aboard. The Z71 has taller tires so it sets a bit higher, large fender flares, monotube shocks, urethane jounce bumpers, the G80 locking rear diff, and tow hooks.

my Z85 has factory tow hooks

 

Tow hooks were standard on Z71 until 2007 I believe. They were an option on 4WD Z85.

 

OK guys, thanks alot. I have a 4x4 z85. Now what about suspension lifts, whats the best? Also want to use 20" metal motto rims. What size tires are the biggest I can use with say a 4" skyjacker lift?

 

I would think that 20"s would be way to big the biggest I might go with would be a 17"-18"

 

GMC uses the Offroad 4X4 package, while Chevy uses the Z71 package.

They are identical, just different names for the same package.

Steve

 

33" tires are the largest, most common size. Some have fit 34" or 35" tires.

 

Hmm... From what I see the tires for the 2 are the exact same the Z71 tires are just wider. The Z85 has 235 75 R15 and the Z71 has 265 75 r15 stock so techically the are the same hieght of 31". The Z71 also has wider rims 7" vs 6.5" of the Z85. As for lift the trucks are basically the same. Lots of info on Z85 vs Z71.

 

Um...... no the 235 are about and inch shorter than the the 265. http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp Compare the two on a lot, the tires are smaller.

 

^^^^^^Roger that.

 

That makes no sense that a 265 75 and a 235 75 don't (75 being the the heigth of the sidewall) are not the same.

 

Aspect Ratio - "65"
This number refers to the height of the sidewall. It is a percentage of the section width. In this example, 65 percent of the section width of 205mm equals 133.25.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoSi ... 1450318615

 

Guess you learn something every day.

 

z71 is suspension
4x4 has front wheel drive