There is a small noticable size in lift, maybe a few inches or two, and usually locking diffs such as LSD or solid rear axle or maybe G80 locker. I have a 94 z71 and it's loaded with all sorts of off road stuff, there is like 3 skid plates underneath it, huge blistein shocks, small lift, ofcourse, the z71 stickers, and limited slip diffs
One can purchase Bilstein shocks on their official website, or on third party distributors' websites such as All Shocks, Summit Racing or Off Road Warehouse.
Bilstein
The warranty you get with Bilstein shocks depends on where and how you purchased them. If they were fitted to a vehicle at the point of purchase then your warranty lies with the vehicle manufacturer and they would be your first port of call if you have a problem. If you have purchased your shocks separately then the terms will depend on the country in which you purchased them, but generally, if Bilstein determines that there is a defect with any of their shocks, they will replace or repair them.
Take a regular 4x4 Silverado, add skid plates, Bilstein shocks, and Z71 badging, and you have a Z71 Silverado.
Z71 is the Chevy "off road" package. The standard 4x4 doesnt come with as many options. agree with the first answer as Z71 is the GM code for "off road package." it basically includes bilstein shocks and skid plates, along with some trim features. The 4x4 Chevy is just what it says, only a 4WD. The Z71 on the other hand is a 4WD but it also comes factory with skid plates, improved bilstein shocks, different gearing in the differentials (smaller gears, and a locker), it has upgraded cabin air filters, and most Z71 models from 1997 and newer come with push button 4WD "on the fly".
Z71 is an options package with skid plates and different shocks.
Rear shocks are easy however the front shocks require spring compression devices that must be used properly or you could get seriously injured or killed. The Heavy duty Bilstein shocks are very popular with the people at our enthusiasts forum. www.trailvoy.com
Decals, skid plates, shocks.Decals, skid plates, shocks.
Z71 is an options package which included skid plates on the underside of the vehicle, and I believe it had different shocks, as well.
If you replace the manual leveling shocks on the rear with regular shocks you also have to replace the rear coil springs with stiffer ones. Use gm part #15182559 or bilstein part #199021 to replace the coil springs. The coil springs that come with the manual leveling shocks are not stiff enough to use with regular shocks, causing the rear end to droop.
...You either have the auto-ride suspension, or like I do, the zw7 premium ride suspension w/Nivomat self-leveling shocks made by ZF-Sachs - look for the yellow tag with the "SACHS" name on it - by the way, about $500 each from GM, not including labor
The Z56 is the police package and includes bilstein shocks, v rated tires, special springs,big sway bars, Ultra HD cooling,certified speedo, etc.