Just got a ‘21 ZR2. Great truck out of the box. For a leveling kit, I’m going with the Stage 1 GM performance leveling system. Kit has GM part numbers and is dealer installed, therefore you’ll retain the warranty on the truck. It comes with new control arms as well to maintain the proper suspension travel and articulation. The ride quality remains as stock and comes up an additional 1.5”. Its pricey (~$1,000 installed), but I believe it is worth it. For sure, I’d avoid drilling or cutting into a $50k truck.
The thing to consider in regards to the differential drop is maintaining the “phase” of the front shaft universal joints. As long as the lift maintains the forward or rearward “tilt” of the differential, there will be no vibration. Your rear axle/diff goes through much more extreme angles through its articulation and does not suffer vibration issues as the phasing remains consistent through the arc of the travel. In extreme cases (Jeep guys with short shafts know this) you can use a double cardan joint to halfway phase your universal joints if your diff pinion has to be pointed directly at the transfer case (extreme lift). With the BDS lift, the angles are corrected with the diff drop and should not be too extreme unless you drop a 600 hp LS under the hood. 😁👍
100% agree on suspension. If you want to upgrade, the only way to go IMO is with Multimatic DSSV Long Travel and all the other stuff that goes along with it per GM/Chev. Small fortune to do it though. Subscribed. Stock set up is really good.
@@jefferycutting8079 Really it doesn't feel much different to me. Having 35's feels a little smoother when they are aired down a little. Other than that it is much harder to get in but I have got used to it
Three years ago everyone was saying how there was no after market support for the ZR2, it didn't take long. I think Peak has been a leader on suspension up grades, Midwest Overland, 589 Fab among the first to offer products. I agree on the Diff drop, it helps CV angel but hurts DS angle and the diff can hit the skid. Larger tires put added stress on the drive train. I'm about to remove my level kit and replace it with a Peak coilover and UCA's, 589 Shock relocation with add a leaf.
I did the peak kit and just leveled it, so about 1inch or so with the 600# springs (I have a gas) and my angles aren't over stressed and have no issues with the CV boot or anything. It's been 5000 on the kit with on and off road during that time.
Hit the nail on the head with angles. Stock with a Sawzall lift...(I'm still waiting AEV front fenders). 420 chop works as well. U-bolt flip in the rear, and some type of shock relocation. GET A STEEL DRIVESHAFT! After all that, get your Trifecta tune and drive. 33" to 35" tires and the ZR2 starts working.
Hey guys , you can lift the front of the truck with all the peak suspension upgrades but the front axles need to be upgraded as well; those upgraded front axles are $4000...lots of money so full lift kit is the way to go.
@Cory Casarez thanks for the questions! The rear springs unfortunately are not very strong, realistically probably good for about 400 lbs, any more than that I would want to add-a-leaf. I had the add-a-leaf from Peak Suspension and overall was very happy with it, the only complaint I had was it started rusting pretty bad in less than 6 months on the truck, but that was in Wisconsin with LOTS of salt on the roads, so if you’re not in the Midwest you shouldn’t have that issue. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for this video. Greatly appreciate the recommendations and insights. Im currently trying to decide between a CBi bed rack and the Leitnerdesigns rack.
I was going to go with the Eibach suspension body lift 1inch in the front and the add a leaf until I saw your video. Today nick from peak suspensions said We always had a suspicion but today were able to confirm, the DSSV shocks are Driver and Passenger Side specific when installed from the factory. They are clocked a certain way, so when they are switched, there’s a chance that the shock reservoir can touch the CV boot, as we have seen posts before. We are updating our instructions to make sure you keep track of orientation when installing our kits. my question is did you take off both shocks at the same time we’re it is possible you mixed them up
@michael vick That was me that reported that to Peak after doing my coilover conversion. I bought a set of front DSSVs used to convert, then swap into my truck, so had no idea since I started with a set already off the truck. True story, they are clocked slightly and are different part numbers between sides. One finally rubbed a whole in one of my CV boots, the other just barely missed.
With the Trifecta Tune it is really for the street, correct? - Sport, Eco, and Tow. Off-road mode is basically stock. Is this right? I can also put in the tune on my stock Z and adjust for tire and gears later with the Adv+ I assume.
The main advantage is for the street yes, off-road mode is not changed. You can absolutely get it for a stock truck in preparation for future modifications, they will update your tune every time you change tire size or gears for free.
I installed that a month ago with 600lb springs, added 33.3" 255/80 Falkens. Very pleased with the outcome. I have a hidden winch so about 120lbs up front, swing out tire carrier, Decked with gear is about 350 on the rear. I'm plus 1.5" front and rear.
@@FullAutoDetail I have 17" rims, 16's or17's would be fine, bit more sidewall with 16's if you get the size you want. Look at tire weight, E or P rated? My 255/80/17 E rated have been great. I run 31 psi from the chalk test.
Cool videos and great info...I'm researching my next off road purchase and torn between a Hummer h3 alpha 10k to 15k range that can take many of the upgraded parts on the ZR2 Or just spend a little more 28k to 32k and get a ZR2 .. one question I have is instead of raising the suspension with a kit and dealing with all the extra stress that out on the suspension would not the AEV cut out Flares that allow 35s and then a gear and electronic upgrade be more advisable? I did this once on a 76 Plymouth trailduster running 35s with bushwaker cutout flares and ended up with far less issues then friends with 4 in lifts... But newer truck are a whole different breed. Also can you run 16" wheels on a ZR2?
I have a 2018 ZR2 and would like to run 33s with the current rims, is it possible to do it with only a 1.25 leveling kit or what would u recommend doing, I’m new to this so was just wondering what I will need to do so the truck drives smoothly and also what tire and size u would recommend using, thank you!!
I will likely get a full-size for more interior cab space, and better towing capability, but I would recommend the Colorado as one of the best daily driver, and off-road capable trucks!
HI Kyle. I've got some 589 rear shock relocators that are ready to weld on. Know of any negatives with these? Also wanted to get your opinion on tire size. AEV makes fenders that claim to fit 35" tires with no lift. In your opinion can the truck handle 35x17x12.5 or would that just cause components to break? I'm not doing serious rock crawling; just want to increase axle clearance for ruts and have more tire contact when I air down on sand. I have a 2019 2.8l ZR2. It gets close to 30mpg on the highway going legal speed so I am not concerned with mpg loss. I assume the diesel would be able to push the larger tires easier than gas without modifying gears. If it is bad I can re-gear. I don't really want to lift/level the truck for reasons you already mentioned. Seems like with the rear shock relocated and 34" or 35" tires would be a huge improvement in capability.
Hey! I think you are definitely on the right track! If I remember you will need wheels with more stance or wheel spacers on the stock wheels for the 35s to clear the shock relocation kit, but you could call 589 to confirm. Those AEV fenders are expensive but they are clean and definitely a good option if you don’t want to go though the trimming process that I did! I also agree that the diesel should be fine without lower gears for daily driving and mild off-roading!
What do you think is the best route regarding the wiring of a switch panel or just the setup in general? I have a stock 2020 ZR2 with the bison low tube bumper on the way. I’m having a hard time finding out how to integrate the fog lights and want to know the best way to go about it.
Hey man what’s your thoughts on changing to a 18 inch factory wheel with same offset +33 and going with a 275/65/18 tire? Do you see the little bit of wider tire getting into the knuckle? The setup would measure out to 32.1 diameter.I have 1.25 eibach springs on front and add a leaf on rear. I know you ran 255/75/17 at one time and they measured to about the same diameter, but a little less wide
If you are talking about the stock steering knuckle, then you will have no issues with wheel clearance, it is the upper ball joint you have to keep an eye on with wide tires. I ran a 285/75r17, and a 35x12.5 on stock wheels, and still had about 1/4” clearance. So you should be just fine with a 275 on an 18” wheel
Great recommendations Bought a 2021 ZR2 and looking to relocate the tire on the bed I carry a dirtbike occasionally so wanted to keep it upright behind the driver type. Any recommendations Thx
Is it an issue that I use my zr2 as a daily driver (never off road driven) with mud tires on it? I do plan in the future changing out my wheels to something more fitting for me which you've already listed.
Not an issue at all, only thing I would recommend is rotating them more often (I do every 3,000) with mud tires because they wear faster and less even than ATs
The lil Bs bumper is bolt on, no welding, but requires cutting part of the plastic bumper off. I believe when it was still on their website it was $1400
The GM leveling kit will put extra strain on the suspension components yes. GM recommends upgrading to their high angle UCAs, race truck CV axles, and tie rods sleeves if you are using their leveling kit. As for the trifecta tune, many people including myself had no issues at the dealership. It seems like the tune is “invisible” during just a normal oil change and service. That being said, if you tell them, or if they find out, they do have the ability to void your warranty, really depends on the dealership, some will, some won’t.
@@campbelloffroad3660 I believe your able to uninstall the tune with the laptop and they’ll never know. I guess it doesn’t leave any trace on the computer. That’s why I wanted it for my last Colorado that got totaled. I guess I’ll get it on my ‘22 bison after the bigger tires and 4:56’s that I previously bought.
Just got a ‘21 ZR2. Great truck out of the box. For a leveling kit, I’m going with the Stage 1 GM performance leveling system. Kit has GM part numbers and is dealer installed, therefore you’ll retain the warranty on the truck. It comes with new control arms as well to maintain the proper suspension travel and articulation. The ride quality remains as stock and comes up an additional 1.5”. Its pricey (~$1,000 installed), but I believe it is worth it. For sure, I’d avoid drilling or cutting into a $50k truck.
I have never hated a truck so much man. It sucks I've always wanted a zr2 and it's GARBAGE
Thanks for all the ZR2 videos and this wrap up about the mods.
The thing to consider in regards to the differential drop is maintaining the “phase” of the front shaft universal joints. As long as the lift maintains the forward or rearward “tilt” of the differential, there will be no vibration. Your rear axle/diff goes through much more extreme angles through its articulation and does not suffer vibration issues as the phasing remains consistent through the arc of the travel. In extreme cases (Jeep guys with short shafts know this) you can use a double cardan joint to halfway phase your universal joints if your diff pinion has to be pointed directly at the transfer case (extreme lift). With the BDS lift, the angles are corrected with the diff drop and should not be too extreme unless you drop a 600 hp LS under the hood. 😁👍
100% agree on suspension. If you want to upgrade, the only way to go IMO is with Multimatic DSSV Long Travel and all the other stuff that goes along with it per GM/Chev. Small fortune to do it though. Subscribed.
Stock set up is really good.
I have a 2020 ZR2 and a BDS 4inch lift. I am happy with it.
How does it ride did you knotice a huge difference
@@jefferycutting8079 Really it doesn't feel much different to me. Having 35's feels a little smoother when they are aired down a little. Other than that it is much harder to get in but I have got used to it
Awesome thats good to know I may just go that root when I mod mine
Good info. I’d rather do the TH-cam than forums too
Three years ago everyone was saying how there was no after market support for the ZR2, it didn't take long. I think Peak has been a leader on suspension up grades, Midwest Overland, 589 Fab among the first to offer products. I agree on the Diff drop, it helps CV angel but hurts DS angle and the diff can hit the skid. Larger tires put added stress on the drive train. I'm about to remove my level kit and replace it with a Peak coilover and UCA's, 589 Shock relocation with add a leaf.
I did the peak kit and just leveled it, so about 1inch or so with the 600# springs (I have a gas) and my angles aren't over stressed and have no issues with the CV boot or anything. It's been 5000 on the kit with on and off road during that time.
Such a great truck stock, but there are some cool mods
Hit the nail on the head with angles. Stock with a Sawzall lift...(I'm still waiting AEV front fenders). 420 chop works as well. U-bolt flip in the rear, and some type of shock relocation.
GET A STEEL DRIVESHAFT!
After all that, get your Trifecta tune and drive. 33" to 35" tires and the ZR2 starts working.
Are you referring to 420 motors?
@@mattandrickadventures8416 yeppers!
I think this is the route I want to go.
33s, Trifecta Advantage+, 589 Shock Relocation.
I can’t weld. How much should the relocation cost to install?
@@jayl2331 Any type of shock relocation you do is going to require some welding.
@@jayl2331 I expect about any fab place would do it for 200-250. Its pretty simple.
Hey guys , you can lift the front of the truck with all the peak suspension upgrades but the front axles need to be upgraded as well; those upgraded front axles are $4000...lots of money so full lift kit is the way to go.
After market life time warranty axles are now avaliable for 2500 bucks.
@@madcratebuilder do you have the link or website because I am interested in upgraded front axles.
I just bought a 2020 and I’m leaving it alone. I think someone misses his ZR2
Indeed I do miss it. but seeing my wife enjoy driving her new Jeep is much better!
Campbell Offroad No doubt and it’s very cool too. The new wheels and tires look real nice 👍👍👍👍👍
@Cory Casarez thanks for the questions! The rear springs unfortunately are not very strong, realistically probably good for about 400 lbs, any more than that I would want to add-a-leaf. I had the add-a-leaf from Peak Suspension and overall was very happy with it, the only complaint I had was it started rusting pretty bad in less than 6 months on the truck, but that was in Wisconsin with LOTS of salt on the roads, so if you’re not in the Midwest you shouldn’t have that issue. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for this video. Greatly appreciate the recommendations and insights. Im currently trying to decide between a CBi bed rack and the Leitnerdesigns rack.
I was going to go with the Eibach suspension body lift 1inch in the front and the add a leaf until I saw your video. Today nick from peak suspensions said We always had a suspicion but today were able to confirm, the DSSV shocks are Driver and Passenger Side specific when installed from the factory.
They are clocked a certain way, so when they are switched, there’s a chance that the shock reservoir can touch the CV boot, as we have seen posts before.
We are updating our instructions to make sure you keep track of orientation when installing our kits.
my question is did you take off both shocks at the same time we’re it is possible you mixed them up
I did not do the installation myself on that one so I can’t say for sure
@michael vick That was me that reported that to Peak after doing my coilover conversion. I bought a set of front DSSVs used to convert, then swap into my truck, so had no idea since I started with a set already off the truck.
True story, they are clocked slightly and are different part numbers between sides. One finally rubbed a whole in one of my CV boots, the other just barely missed.
With the Trifecta Tune it is really for the street, correct? - Sport, Eco, and Tow.
Off-road mode is basically stock.
Is this right?
I can also put in the tune on my stock Z and adjust for tire and gears later with the Adv+ I assume.
The main advantage is for the street yes, off-road mode is not changed. You can absolutely get it for a stock truck in preparation for future modifications, they will update your tune every time you change tire size or gears for free.
2018 owner ZR2 looking of getting peaks suspension stage 2 with the upper control arm and add a leaf for the back
Like I said I’ve heard mostly good things, hope you like that setup!
I installed that a month ago with 600lb springs, added 33.3" 255/80 Falkens. Very pleased with the outcome. I have a hidden winch so about 120lbs up front, swing out tire carrier, Decked with gear is about 350 on the rear. I'm plus 1.5" front and rear.
@@madcratebuilder16 or 17” rim? Looking at doing a 16” with a 33” tire and same mods. I’ve also seen people run a 255-265/80. What would u recommend?
@@FullAutoDetail I have 17" rims, 16's or17's would be fine, bit more sidewall with 16's if you get the size you want. Look at tire weight, E or P rated? My 255/80/17 E rated have been great. I run 31 psi from the chalk test.
Cool videos and great info...I'm researching my next off road purchase and torn between a Hummer h3 alpha 10k to 15k range that can take many of the upgraded parts on the ZR2 Or just spend a little more 28k to 32k and get a ZR2 .. one question I have is instead of raising the suspension with a kit and dealing with all the extra stress that out on the suspension would not the AEV cut out Flares that allow 35s and then a gear and electronic upgrade be more advisable? I did this once on a 76 Plymouth trailduster running 35s with bushwaker cutout flares and ended up with far less issues then friends with 4 in lifts... But newer truck are a whole different breed. Also can you run 16" wheels on a ZR2?
I have a 2018 ZR2 and would like to run 33s with the current rims, is it possible to do it with only a 1.25 leveling kit or what would u recommend doing, I’m new to this so was just wondering what I will need to do so the truck drives smoothly and also what tire and size u would recommend using, thank you!!
Get the AEV 33" trim kit. Lot of room for a 33.
Did you ever end up running those icon rears?
Would you get another down the road? Either current generation or future generations?
I will likely get a full-size for more interior cab space, and better towing capability, but I would recommend the Colorado as one of the best daily driver, and off-road capable trucks!
HI Kyle. I've got some 589 rear shock relocators that are ready to weld on. Know of any negatives with these? Also wanted to get your opinion on tire size. AEV makes fenders that claim to fit 35" tires with no lift. In your opinion can the truck handle 35x17x12.5 or would that just cause components to break? I'm not doing serious rock crawling; just want to increase axle clearance for ruts and have more tire contact when I air down on sand. I have a 2019 2.8l ZR2. It gets close to 30mpg on the highway going legal speed so I am not concerned with mpg loss. I assume the diesel would be able to push the larger tires easier than gas without modifying gears. If it is bad I can re-gear. I don't really want to lift/level the truck for reasons you already mentioned. Seems like with the rear shock relocated and 34" or 35" tires would be a huge improvement in capability.
Hey! I think you are definitely on the right track! If I remember you will need wheels with more stance or wheel spacers on the stock wheels for the 35s to clear the shock relocation kit, but you could call 589 to confirm. Those AEV fenders are expensive but they are clean and definitely a good option if you don’t want to go though the trimming process that I did! I also agree that the diesel should be fine without lower gears for daily driving and mild off-roading!
HDDiesel has the best tune for the diesel ZR2 😉
I think going bigger DuraTracs if your not going to go to a M/T is a good option too.
Yeah, not a bad option, I just like going with something that looks different than stock
What do you think is the best route regarding the wiring of a switch panel or just the setup in general? I have a stock 2020 ZR2 with the bison low tube bumper on the way. I’m having a hard time finding out how to integrate the fog lights and want to know the best way to go about it.
S- tech four switch in the lipstick holder
@@douglasvincent5409 oooooh I like that. Thank you man
Hey man what’s your thoughts on changing to a 18 inch factory wheel with same offset +33 and going with a 275/65/18 tire? Do you see the little bit of wider tire getting into the knuckle? The setup would measure out to 32.1 diameter.I have 1.25 eibach springs on front and add a leaf on rear. I know you ran 255/75/17 at one time and they measured to about the same diameter, but a little less wide
If you are talking about the stock steering knuckle, then you will have no issues with wheel clearance, it is the upper ball joint you have to keep an eye on with wide tires. I ran a 285/75r17, and a 35x12.5 on stock wheels, and still had about 1/4” clearance. So you should be just fine with a 275 on an 18” wheel
Great recommendations Bought a 2021 ZR2 and looking to relocate the tire on the bed
I carry a dirtbike occasionally so wanted to keep it upright behind the driver type.
Any recommendations
Thx
Check out my earlier videos where I was using the upright tire carrier from 589, it works great for 31-33” tire sizes!
Is it an issue that I use my zr2 as a daily driver (never off road driven) with mud tires on it?
I do plan in the future changing out my wheels to something more fitting for me which you've already listed.
Not an issue at all, only thing I would recommend is rotating them more often (I do every 3,000) with mud tires because they wear faster and less even than ATs
Whats the biggest tire size you can fit on a stock suspension ZR2 without trimming?
265/70r17(31.6) or 255/75r17 (32.1) anything bigger will require at least plastic trimming
Did the lil B's bumper need to be welded on? Also how much was it?
The lil Bs bumper is bolt on, no welding, but requires cutting part of the plastic bumper off. I believe when it was still on their website it was $1400
Hey Kyle, does the factory leveling kit adversely affect any of the suspension components? Also, will the trifecta tuner void warranty? Thanks
The GM leveling kit will put extra strain on the suspension components yes. GM recommends upgrading to their high angle UCAs, race truck CV axles, and tie rods sleeves if you are using their leveling kit. As for the trifecta tune, many people including myself had no issues at the dealership. It seems like the tune is “invisible” during just a normal oil change and service. That being said, if you tell them, or if they find out, they do have the ability to void your warranty, really depends on the dealership, some will, some won’t.
@@campbelloffroad3660 I believe your able to uninstall the tune with the laptop and they’ll never know. I guess it doesn’t leave any trace on the computer.
That’s why I wanted it for my last Colorado that got totaled. I guess I’ll get it on my ‘22 bison after the bigger tires and 4:56’s that I previously bought.
Not my zr2, miss my fx4 level 2 ranger dude. My zr2 is GARBAGE. NEVER had so many problems with a Truck in my 30years