Chevy Avalanche Z71 - Truck Review - Is this strange truck worth a look?
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- čas přidán 17. 06. 2021
- Chevy Avalanche Z71 - Truck Review - Is this strange truck worth a look?
Today we have got a 2008 Chevy Avalanche Z71 4x4
It has got 310 horsepower and 335 lbs. of torque
Let's check this truck out and see what we think!
Like and subscribe to the channel for weekly vides on cars, trucks and other vehicles. Also let me know in the comments what else you would like to see me review! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
i hated avalanches till I bought my own. Never selling mine. Avalanches will be a classic one of these YEARS
I agree! Really great truck once you have one.
@@brycehill446 why yes sir I do. I bought a 2003 avalanche from a neighbor of mine because I needed a work vehicle. He said it was a V6 at first because I told him I needed a vehicle with decent gas mileage. Well when he showed up with the truck it was a V8 and it felt like i was driving a boat. Needless to say the truck had 260,000 miles on it but still was solid and ran like a champ(once warmed up). After a year of owning it I still get excited when I take a little drive out in the country and find a dirt field to do some donuts.
That is great, sounds like you have had a good experience with it so far!
Z71 is not the top package as he states but that model is the top Z71. Full leather and sunroof and cooled and heated seats.
Top Avalanche package was LTZ package.
Good review otherwise. This truck also looks like it has a minor lift. Probably a 3-1/2” lift.
Z71 option is better shocks and steel plates underneath and g80 rear locking differential and 3:42 gear. A lift is not part of the Z71 package. With a few minor mods it’s a terrific truck. In stock form too. Can’t get more unique either. Avalanche’s Rock.
I own a 2013 Escalade Ext and I absolutely love it. It does not just change to a really big bed, but an 8 foot bed. As far as towing, the Escalade Ext can tow up to 7,600 lbs, which is a lot for most people. This the most practical pickup truck ever built in my mind.
The Cadillac EXT is pretty great. Get a beefed up 6.2 with a 6 speed trans! What's not to like?
Do you convert the air suspension?
@@AlanTrades who ever owned mine last certainly did to a rancho setup
The Avalanche is the vehicle my parent use to let me drive when I got my licence at 16 years old! I loved it! I loved it so much that I bought a Cadillac EXT when I was 19, to have the utility of the Avalanche with and luxury of the EXT!
I just picked one up and I love it so far
I absolutely love my 2011 Avalanche Z71 Drives great and has been very reliable. It also rides very nice.
Ive had my 2012 since new, and will only get rid of it if its totalled. Love it, the midgate was the selling feature for me. I was able to haul a 25 foot camping trailer and a 6000 lb water trailer for my acreage for years, and it has never let me down. The ride is amazing and I like the looks of it with all my mods. I like I can haul things long compared to a half ton and have the gate up. I could go on and on. Im not sure why you have issues with the towing. Maybe because mine isnt a Z71 and has the tow package. Tow package gives you the towing option and a different tranny. which works very well
Love the Avalanche. My Father in law had a 2011 LTZ when I first moved to the U.S in 2012. He let me borrow it for a small road trip and I was seriously impressed with it especially the ride. Bought my own in 2018 and plan to hang on to it. Great truck. I don't completely disagree with the 5000lbs towing limit. (not without some upgrades, esp brakes) but all around great all purpose vehicle.
Things to keep in mind (as with any vehicle)
if you start adding bigger wheels/tires & increasing ride height that will effect acceleration and general performance (like towing).
If you want to find your exact tow capacity- check your RPO codes in the glove box. They didn't all come factory with heavy duty transmission cooler and cooling fan. There are a couple of things to watch; keep your dashboard protected/treated, those things crack if you look at them the wrong way. The bed covers and plastic trim require some maintenance against fading and leaks. And last but certainly not least, only use the recommended dexos full synthetic oil, the AFM/DOD lifters can cause issues after 130K , but I'm of the opinion this is due to use of conventional oil (which is not recommended for these engines)
Just my 2 cents worth. Thanks for the review Bryce
I bought an earlier generation avalanche from my mechanic. This thing is a dream…..I have been missing out. I initially wanted a maverick, but while Ford was trying to add 2 and 2, I started looking at used stuff and my mechanic had a rebuild. I am looking to get rid of my crown vick to make room for a 2nd generation avalanche. This truck has no issues on hills at all, but i only got for hauling my recumbent, my kayak and occasional home improvement stuff from the big box store.
I own The 213 Black Diamond. Wanted one when they came out but couldn't afford it. Literally found this one that just came into the Chevy Dealership 2 days earlier and had people calling to ask about it as i sat filling out the paperwork. Absolutely love everything about it. It's not your average looking pickup thats for sure. I laugh when I see a pickup that had the wings installed to make it look like an Avalanche. Lol
The large tires will impact your 0-60. Also, definitely do the DOD delete before it grenades your top end of your engine like it did my 5.3. I did a physical delete with new valley plate, summit cam, lifters, and tune. Add k&n intake, flowmaster cats, magnaflow catback, really wakes it up. Be careful on tune, still kept most of the factory torque management due to the stock 65le transmission and still get 13mpg around town and over 17 on highway. Mine is 2007 with 190kmiles. Plan on keeping it since I really can't replace the utility, versatility and performance.
What lift and tire/wheel set up are you running?
You didn't demonstrate the mid-gate function. It's literally the most iconic feature of the Avalanche. I seriously gotta fault you for that.
Sorry it was 115 out when I filmed this, I'll do it when I film the Cadillac EXT
I own a LTZ model and it’s a beast of a truck
Yeah it is a great truck, the LTZ is clean!
My 2013 had rear heated seats loved that truck
I have a 2007 Chevy Avalanche and one thing that I like about it is Escalade parts is compatible with it. I put a 2008 Cadillac Escalade dashboard gauges center console in mine and it looks factory besides the radio where I have a aftermarket one
I own a 2013 black diamond z71 (idk if they’re all z71) but I love it man it does everything I need it to do. I came from driving a small 2 door bmw to that and the throttle settings seemed the same and I love the steering on the avalanche. Which is what kept me from getting a Cummins instead it’s all in the drive man
To answer your question, there are 3 types of avalanches ( especially the black diamonds) there is the LS; the one I currently have, the LT which has a bit more stuff to it, and the most luxurious and convenient, the LTZ. Some of the models are 2X4 while most are 4X4 with the option to transfer to 2 wheel drive. I just bought mine and I love it, take good care of her mate.
Nice review. ✨
I always thought that this was a great project truck esp after it's been fully paid off :)
I just got a 2011 avalanche on 35s and idk if I'll do any towing but thanks for your thoughts about that. I might get a camp trailer later on but yeah, I'm in Utah and we got some steep grades going through the mountains. And iv never pulled a camper before so Utah is a great place to learn.
Going to check out an 06-Z71 with 140k miles later today, It looks great in the pics... Only $4,200
Love my 2003 Z71, bought with 114K miles back in 2015, currently up to 213K. Great riding truck, upgraded the shocks. Came with 20" tires and wheels from the previous owner.
What repairs and issues have u had since u bought it?
@@johnhancock2914 Where should I begin? LOL. After I purchased the truck I had it checked out as the service and carfax reports were sketchy. Mechanic missed the leaking water pump and blown intake manifold. Replaced under warranty, paid deductible. Had entire drive line serviced, rear diff cover had a rust hole in it, put in new plugs/wire. First 18 months the truck ate calipers and rotors, found dealer had gotten a bad batch of calipers, all replaced at no cost. Replaced pitman arm and upper control arms, all in the first year. Found out afterwards truck had sat on a dealers back lot for about 6 months Tires in 2019.Normal maintenance stuff from like 2017 afterwards until 2021. New radiator, 2 window motors, water pump..2022 blew out the brake lines trying to avoid a freeway pile up in front of me. New lines, abs pump and new master cylinder. 2023 a brake booster and battery. Currently has a bad ground to starter. I can tug on the negative cable and start the truck..lol.
Thing is, after getting everything squared away in the first year of owning it, its been an awesome truck. Done everything I could ask of it. Can get up to 90mph and truck is stable. Good power, trans is still great, 4wd never an issue. Has the typical Michigan rust on quarters, frame still solid. Love the midgate, not a fan of the bed covers. I will purchase another Avalanche when this one bites the dust. Whew.. got lengthy there.
Sharp looking truck!
I had the identical 2008 only problem I had besides maintenance was under hood fuse box other than that classic getting ready to buy another
The “easy button for the windshield “ as you state, is actually the button for the heater used for the windshield washer fluid.
I own an 08 LTZ and wouldn't trade it for something else. It tows what I want, it feels like I'm riding in a lazy boy. The way it performs you can't tell it is built on the Suburban platform. It came with all the bells and whistles and a complete Bose stereo system that makes you forget about everything outside of the vehicle
Yeah I agree, I really like how loaded you can get these trucks. I have been modifying mine pretty heavily and wouldn't get rid of it either
When towing did you push the towing button? Most people forget and that might’ve been why you had your towing issue.
That’s a good looking avalanche no over the top but still looks pretty aggressive
Thank you! It has been a fun project
@DrewHagar they do make a rear cover. It's just not popular bc its very ugly unless you have the matching cladding
What kind of wheels and tires are those? Do you know if it's a suspension or leveling kit?
Careful with the side compartment seals, they are hell to put back on if they come off. I own an 06' cateye avalanche, I was changing spacers on my aftermarket bed covers, I had to work inside the compartments to make it fit correctly then the seal came off.
Yeah they do have some quirks for sure
Would just like to know the comfortability on the 2nd row???
I loved my 05 Avalanche…was a sad day when I traded it in last year
You can always get another!
What wheels are those?
My dad had a 07 z71 he bought new and gave it to me my senior year in 14 I bought a black diamond edition 2013 still have both love them both would buy a 3rd gen if they make them
Maybe a gen 3 will eventually make an appearance
luckyyyy i’ve been trying to get an 07-13 avalanche and i’m 16 in high school. dream truck
@@hamazamah9906 when I was 15 I started working at sonic it was close to my house so I walked to work and I've been saving up my dad seen how hard I was working and going to school so he gave me his 07 but I was saving for a black diamond edition told my dad what I wanted he said thats fine get it so I got a promotion at work this was back in 2012 I was 17 in and in 11th grade and started the order process for my 13 avalanche in September and got it in April of 2013 a week before my birthday still hae both had to replace the transmission on the 06 3 months ago it has 198k and my 13 has 66k
@@car_lifepassion252 well earned! and nice that you still have both of them. i’ve worked a summer job for my family business and i only have 3k rn cuz i spent money on driving school. hopefully my parents came pull thru on the other half and i could get 5k so i can get me a 07.
@@hamazamah9906 there out there but a little pricey I have one at my dealership for 19k with 153k 11 Ltz
What is so "strange" about it? Lol You must be young 😂. These things were badass, and super common, during their life cycle! My dad had one and it remained in my family for 16 years, running perfect the entire time! It was the first vehicle I was driving at 16 years old and car camping in it, back then, even started my love for what is now called "overlanding" lol. I loved it so much that my first vehicle purchase was a Cadillac EXT, when I was 19.
For Nostalgia, I just bought an Avalanche in EXCELLENT condition! Going to turn in into my overland weelendlander. I remember doing the Rubicon trail, and seeing a group of guys in a convoy and one was doing the Rubi in an Avalanche lol
Rubbed me the wrong way he called it strange as well lol
If you're towing anything,,slow is fast,,calm ur self down ur towing,,u get there when you do n everyone safe including other folks
The Z71 is nice, but let’s be honest here the Escalade EXT is far superior given the bigger 6.2L V8, the 6 speed transmission and the bigger towing capacity.
not a bad video guy did not mention on star xm photo eye rear view mirror rear defrost & lights in cargo & its boxes the racerback channels air also so no exaust with rear window & or midgate down others commented the larger tires which will affect its economy & stomp on it performance enclosed bed the tonneau is a bed over the bed in its own right i have worked my first three landscaping pruning trees lawntractor in bed @ times etc boating & buying selling cars etc current one which is a 2nd gen is the 4th avalanche Ive owned versatility & its structure is stronger safe quiet synthetic's E3 plugs & dod delete oh that button on dash is stability control system as corvette not traction control major difference in feature along with the eaton locking rear end what"s not to like....
Pretty good. When you say: "If you want something for towing, you probably should buy something else". Please say what we should buy, not "something else".
Prob go with a Semi ;)
What's he going to do? List every truck with a bigger motor? Lol
Link for tail lights
This would be my dream truck if it were black or white. Not a fan of the color. Absolutely love them but to damn expensive
Do a snow review with the avalanche
He rating a 10+ year old truck like it’s modern truck
I got a 2008 chevy silverado. Great truck but one problem I have. I keep getting a o2 sensor failure for Bank 2 sensor 1 after replacing 2 times. What else can cause this? Exhaust leak or other? I can't find any holes , not sure if the wires fired because they look fine. Any suggestions where to look next?
Gas caps or under the spare tire
This car usually don't have no problems with motor just issues with sensors
I just bought an 08. Badlands edition(?) It has a Regency interior package. (Carbon fiber where yours has the aluminum. Lifted 6”. It was customized to be pretty, so no Z71 badge on it. How can I know if it has the Z71 components? (The manual is vague and unhelpful.)
The Z71 one had the different color middle section of the front bumper. Something he failed to mention. The Z71 package is a 4wd up grade package with auto locking hubs, skid protectors underneath and other things. Mine also said Z71 on the instrument cluster on the dash.
I would be nice to have a separate intercooler for the transmission too
My trans never goes above 205 degrees even when towing. It has 165,000 miles and is serviced by the dealer.
This truck specifically in the video has a separate transmission cooler in front of the radiator from factory, I upgraded it with one almost 3 times the size as well
I've got my trans replaced at 120k and it still runs at about 215° is that normal ? Tranny not rebuilt either brand new OEM ?
How hot did the transmission get towing 5,000lbs up a 6% grade. Mine hit 240. But my trailer brakes may have been dragging me down. Stopped to let it cool.
He save 15% on Car insurance by switching to Geico a 2:29 🤣😂🤣😂
cam and tune, you'll be happy
I found a 2008 LT with 78k clean tittle for 7k is it a good deal or pass ?
Where at.?
Wheels size and off set of possible
hi I'm currently looking at a 2007 ltz avalanche has about 350kmiles do they all come with side storage or just the z71 also do you have an idea of any major problems you could expect having trouble finding a review that shows the good and bad
They all have the side boxes. Also the Z71 isn’t the top trim. The LTZ is. Z71 is an off-road package. You can essentially get a LTZ with the Z71 package. I think they’d still call it a Z71 though. LTZ comes with auto level shocks and magnaride
The major problems will just be normal LS stuff. Really it’s just DOD you need to worry about. And put a transmission cooler on the 4L60. I believe they switched to the 6L80 in 09
@@maxayotte9698 sorry what do you mean by ls stuff and by DOD do you mean dead on delivery or something else I'm looking at a 2012 but the engine cranks but wont run guy wants 4k for it worth it
@@EmeraldDragonsFlame DOD means displacement on demand. It switches from 8cyls to 4 on the highway. You delete it by replacing the lifters and cam. If they want 4K for a non running 2012, that’s not bad. Just have a shop replace the motor with a 6.0L for about 5k maybe. Then you’d had a good truck.
O7 was the worst year for Avalanche mostly due to the DOD. My dad bought one brand new had repeated problems. If I'm not mistaken chevy actually took it back from him. I owned an 09 Z71. Zero problems with 160k. I ran it fairly hard too. Lots of time in 4wd in deep sand and actually buried down to the axles in mud. Great truck. The most versatile do it all transformer truck ever
What’s the wheel setup and lift on this truck ?
Rancho Quicklift Leveling Strut + RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks. Also has a 1.5 level in the back and an extra 1 inch level in the front. The rear springs were upgraded to heavy duty coils that add an extra 500lbs of payload.
Below are the rims, 33x12.5x20 tires...
Vision 417 Creep 20x10 6x5.5" -25mm Bronze/Black Wheels Rims 20" Inch
@@brycehill446 awesome thanks a lot Love the setup!
I love my Avalanche but hate the placement of the 4X4 dial, which is next to and identical to the headlight switch. GRRR. More than once I have accidentally turned my truck in to 4X4 thinking I was turning my lights on
Should have auto lights
I own a 6.0 2008 Avalanche.
How do you like it?
Are they 1500 or 2500
This specific body style are all 1500s with either a 5.3 or 6.0. The earlier body style did come in 1500 or 2500. I have had them all
Зачем покупать и рассказывать про пикап, если не рассказать про пикап?
Пикап это автомобиль с кузовом!?
Где обзор кузова?
Now do a Tahoe this year model
Definitely will
@@brycehill446 bet it will feel slightly quicker and glide down the road
The Z71 isn't the best trim package. The LTZ IS.
But is it though?
@@brycehill446 Yes it is. You really should know what you're talking about before you try to educate people. Just sayin.
@@johnatencio9524 why isn’t it then?
@@johnatencio9524 wrong the z71 is the top package has everything the ltz has and more you should do your research
@@bigantscustoms3385 I'm not wrong. You are wrong. The LTZ is the top package. You should do your research. You're making yourself sound ignorant. Who knows perhaps you are.
Wrong. The LTZ is the highest package.
Bro you haven’t posted in a year what the fuck
But are you related to Paul Walker?
Only by blood
6 speed tranyy bro
You can always chip it
I just put Shorty headers on it and added a predator tune, made a difference for sure
and also not top package!
Dear followers!! Don't let the beautiful pictures confuse you . Anyone who buys a new car from GENERAL Motors the chance you threw your money into the trash is very large. In this company there is no customer service, the company's management does not care at all, if you have a problem or a malfunction, you can only pray to God there is a chance that the help will come faster. GM is a very dangerous company, be careful and keep your money safe.!!!👎👎👎👎👎😬👎😬👎👎Share so more people don't get screwed.GM is a big bluf
Had a 02 Tahoe got a 08 ltz avy thinking it would be upgrade I hated it and sold and now saving for a Tahoe if u considered This truck it’s super heavy , slow , hard to park but it’s nice but I learned the Tahoe is way better for me a Tahoe would drag an avalanche in a race
If you bought it for performance, you bought it for the wrong reason. Its just a chopped Suburban.
@@SoldatX2 just thought it would be alil quicker but yeah can’t expect to much out of a tank lol
@@Shallowballow Yep. It’s a land yacht. It is a good truck if you got the 4x4 version and want do some off-road activities like camping. You can actually mount a roof top tent on the tonneau cover and keep the bed open for extra people or all your supplies. I plan on buying an early gen that has the large plastic trim along the lower part of the panels and do just that. As for a performance vehicle, I own Alfa Romeo 4C for driving around and having fun in. For me having an SUT will fill the rest of the gaps a track car cannot provide. The avalanche came out ahead of its time now that over landing is all the rage. It’s cheap too (at least the early models are.)
The avalanche and the suburban are heavier than a tahoe and an older gen Tahoe with basically the same powertrain i wouldn't have thought for a second that it would have been faster. I do love tahoes tho
@@DreadhawkHussein well idk if it’s faster but ik it feels faster the avalanche just idk straight slug fr I thought it would be just like a Tahoe but I was wrong
That’s garbage 🗑
One mans trash...
He rating a 10+ year old truck like it’s modern truck