Chevrolet Z-71 LTZ Opinions? Possibly trading my Tacoma

Long story short, I've found a 2010 5.3L Z-71 LTZ SB crew cab w/ 90k for sale at a local GMC stealership---I'm considering it hard. Truck appears to be in excellent shape; details below.

• Locally owned
• Two owners: 1st owned for less than a year 11k on the ODO @ trade in.
• Carfax is clean.
• Zero rust
• No issues with interior
• Has a bed cover, so doubtful if heavy loads were put in bed. Bedliner is clean, no signs of abuse.
• No idea on towing history

I've never owned a GM product, but have driven a 2004 Yukon as a work truck for three years and loved it, currently has over 215k and still going strong.

I'm concerned about the AFM (active fuel management) on these trucks. Seems the AFM causes substantial oil consumption, to the point of engine failure. There are ways to delete the AFM through a custom tune, but I'm not educated on the process. Any thoughts?

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Then there's the other end of the story---why I am trading the Tacoma? I purchased a 2011 TRD OR AC in July w/ 77k, awesome truck until problems started to creep up. Since July I have had the following replaced:

• Both lower control arms (ball joints included)
• Wheel bearings
• Sway bar end links
• All u-joints in rear d-shaft
• Rear drive shaft re-balanced
• Rear drive shaft carrier bearing
• Intermediate steering shaft

I have the typical 2nd gen problems: steering shaft knock, drive line vibes, rust, etc. The first two issues have caused me to consider the trade in, as it's near impossible to drive the truck off-road (gravel roads...) with out receiving intense bumpsteer and the typical steering shaft knock. Driveline vibes can be felt @ 45mph and @ 70mph, after repairs and adjusting the rear pinion angle/dropping the carrier bearing.

As much as I enjoy tinkering with trucks and troubleshooting problems, the Tacoma has taken up countless hours and energy since purchasing. I take full responsibility for not doing my homework prior to the purchase of the Tacoma, unfortunately I'm paying the price, all pun intended, now.

Thanks for reading, looking forward to some guidance.

BMLS

 

Is your truck lifted? (Hard to tell in your pic)

Do you plan to mod the Chevy if you go that route?

 

Yes. I have Toytec BOSS coilovers set @ 2.75" in front and rear AAL w/ 5100's. 285 Firestone AT's and a Leer 100XT shell outback.

I image the Chevy would receive similar fair to the Tacoma. Coilovers in front, 285s, new shocks, etc. Motor, exhaust, tranny would stay stock outside of a tune to delete the AFM.

I'll note, the white Tacoma in my media page is not my truck. I'll post a picture asap.

 

Updated pictures, with and with out shell. Maybe my problems are from running Sport wheels on an OR!?

 

Think i would get a ford over a chevy

 

I switched to a '13 Silverado (LT, 4x4, ExCab, Short Bed, 5.3L, 6spd) last December, I gave my wife the 4Runner and traded in her Civic before the clutch went out. I had a Z71 before and forgot how great the power is!

I'm pretty happy with the truck so far but do miss how nimble my 4Runner and my buddy's taco are. I actually like the AFM, gets tremendous mileage on the interstate, better than the 4runner dreamed of stock. But mine only has 31K now so it may be early for the oil consumption issue. Also came with the 100K drivetrain warranty so that's a nice insurance.

I like the space and power, and I use the truck daily for towing about 4,000 lbs. but if I didn't need the 1/2 ton V8 for towing, I probably would've gotten a Taco or 5th gen 4R instead and sometimes wish I could trade. Price was pretty close for a decked out DC compared to this upper LT level.

I put 275/70s on it because they're a little taller than 285s, one thing about the V8 is you don't notice the power loss like with the 4.0!