I put 22" Fuels with 285/55 R22 Nitto Ridge graplers on My 2021 RST. On the highway at 75mph I get Between 17.9 to 20 MPG. The wind kills it for sure. I have S&B, and The stillen air scoop. Also 3.73 gear. Still better milage than the 5.3 with the same size tires. I always replace my shock with the Bistien. The Z71's us to come with Bilstiens a few Gen's back.
Why’d you go with 22” rims on the truck? Or is it primarily for the highway? 22” are definitely better for the highway, but horrible off road unless it’s got at least 8-11” of rubber under the rim..
@@vincefairleigh6899 I don't do off roading... I just like the stance without having to spend a bunch of money on a expensive lift kit. The ready 4" with the 22" is perfect for my likes.
So my 23 Z71 rst 3.0L has 275/60r20s factory. Looking to just level it with bilstien 5100s. Would i be better off getting the fronts for a trailboss and running them at stock setting or getting the model for my truck and running them at max setting? I think to level ide need about 1.5in lift in the front. Should i be considering uca's as well? I just want to get rid of the rake and not change tire size. Thanks man you are the go to source for info regarding the minimax trucks
ive read, uca not needed wwith these installed. i have a 24 rst and im getting the non trail boss and running max, i have read tb version works fine if you want to do exactly what i read you want to do that 1.5inch, instead of 2.5 on non tb version
@@Blakeneal407 it feels connected to the ground more, i wouldnt call it stiff, the difference is like a benz soft and cushiony compared to a bmw where it feels more connected to the road, firm yet smooth and handles better. i have the 5100s on mine and its night and day better
Are these the 6112 struts? I ordered those and they’re pre assembling them to ring #6 (which is the highest) where it states it will be at 2 inches of height because of the weight of the 3.0 engine. I wills be putting a 1 inch rear block and 5100 rear shocks. As well as their UCA.
Great video! I saw in a previous comment that you had not yet upgraded to the AT4 CV axles, have you had any problems with Auto 4WD? I'm looking to lift the truck only 2 inches, 1.5 block in the back with Blisteins front and back, along with UCA and upgraded cv axles. Thanks
Correct, I did not swap axles. No issues. Mine has a 2” block in the back and I have a 1.5” waiting to be installed. I think you have the right combo in mind!
@@DemonWorks Have you installed the 1.5inch blocks in the back yet? If so have you had any problem with the bilstein trail boss versions of the strut since they are for 2-3inches of lift? I email bilstein but did not get a straight answer
So judging by the size comparison to the zr2 could this be a close mpg guess to what the new zr2 diesel will be averaging? Maybe 2 mpg less than yours since the zr2 has the open cut outs
I don’t think the open cut outs will cost you that much, I had the Colorado zr2 and it was darn close to a normal one, tire size, wheel weight and height are the big difference makers
I have the AT4 and the Territory MT tires and 3.23 gears. I’m averaging about 26mpg per tank but that’s mostly (at least 80%) highway driving and I usually keep to a maximum cruising speed to close to the posted limit (😉) on the freeway. I’m in CA, so most speed limits are 65, with a few up to 70. Also, being in CA, the minimum cetane rating of fuel here is 53.
Part # 85040013 2” lift with axels Update my 2022 3.0 just got lemoned. Tranny grenade itself just sitting at a stop sign. Wife said so u smell something burning then my dash flashed to stop driving and lost ability to drive and further. Luckily I was like a block from house. GM bought truck back. Now I have a ram rebel 5.7 hemi 2024
Thanks for the info and time to make this video. Have you seen the rancho factory 2” lift for gmc that is oem and keeps all factory warranty ? I just got a 2022 4x4 gmc elevation Duramax. Factory Kit Comes with with new front axles, 4 rancho shocks and 2” blocks. It cost $1400 ouch and $900 install. I’m planning to get it but really wanted just the bilstein lift like you have. Dealer said all other lifts voids my warranty? I’m not a diesel mechanic and really need my warranty and also got an extended one just to be safe. Not sure what to do? I do not take truck off road at all but do want to lift my truck just for looks. There is a video on TH-cam with GMC engineer explaining this rancho factory lift if you have a chance to watch it. He also states that a lift GMC truck will need steering reprogrammed and some other stuff updated. He said kit can be installed at home but you will still need dealer to reprogram truck? Thanks and any feedback would be great
Follow this. Just bought a 23 LZO LTZ 4wd hoping to keep it long term to be a overland/farm truck towards the “end of life” as a road going truck. Also got the extended warranty. Really don’t want to buy a 24 ZR2 LZO at this moment. Just lighting money on fire at this point.
I would go with another lift kit from another company and find the part number for the TB axles, it's something to consider because the factory ones when you lift them slip the axles out of their yoke more so you might actually get broken axles if you off-road hard and or regularly. I bought a ZR2 because I go wheeling every other weekend and enjoy the truck so far, but I'm having a hell of a time getting the Bison bumper ugh
The factory kit is nice and that was one route I was going to go because of the axles. I will be replacing the axles in the near future. One reason I did not go the factory lift route was because many people swap out those shocks later on for the bilstein so it made more sense to go this route for me and to share with others. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
If you basically put the Trail Boss kit on the front, couldn’t you have used the UCA from the Trail Boss? Also, I’m pretty sure the Trail Boss has longer CV axles, did you swap yours or are they still the stock ones?
This is the Bilstein setup made for the trail boss. There is another version for the regular trucks but this one can provide more lift. The trail boss upper control arms are the same as all of the other trucks, you can't go wrong with these $300 (for the pair) control arms. The TB does have longer axles and I will add those later down the road.
So, the front 5100s TrailBoss struts will fit the standard truck as well, providing a little more lift? From what I'm reading, it sounds like it, just confirming.
With the lift and UCA, did you get it aligned to factory spec or with additional camber? I see extra camber mentioned alongside lifts/levels, but don't understand if the UCAs _give_ you additional camber, or if the lift itself does and the UCAs bring it back to spec, or something entirely different?
I had my buddy align it, I’m at a dealership, and it was set to trailboss specs. All I recall is that it was within trailboss specs and I think it was sitting at about -.4 camber. The arms are not longer, so they won’t correct the camber.
@DemonWorks I am quite curious why you choose to use the shocks you show in this video vice these Part Numbers: 24-293297, 24-293471 which are the shock used for non-ZR2 (AT4) trucks. Does it provide a benefit in ride or travel? I have a 2024 Elevation Max Tow and I was sitting 3" high in the rear prior to my RTT install. Right now I am at 2" high in the rear. I was planning to go to the full notch on the 24-293297, which Bilstein states will give ~ 1.5" lift since the 3.0 is a bit heavier. I am getting ready to order some for my truck and want to make an informed choice. I also like you recommendation to get upper control arms and why. I was not planning to get them until you showed the why.
Demon why is this even a concern when the factory lifted models run the same control arm? The spacers usually provide only 2” I totally get it if someone is trying to add spacers to a trailboss etc that is already “lifted” that creates a legitimate concern.
I have a couple of questions for ya Demon. Lol. Your opinion would be appreciated, well anyone else’s who has experience could chime in too. So I bought this truck a month ago to ultimately tow a 29 foot light weight RV trailer, replacing my 2012 avalanche. I don’t really anticipate too much rear end sag but if i did get some that I wasn’t comfortable with, what air bag system would you recommend. I don’t need or really want an on board compressor. I can bring one with. Considering price and ease of installation. Also I currently have only 1500 miles on it as I’m being very easy and light on the throttle while I break it in. No known oil consumption yet that I can see. But in your opinion how many miles should I try to achieve before I put the truck thru a 1000 mile haul with the trailer to the altitude of Colorado? Many tks for input.
![Completely UNBIASED Suspension Shootout [Shock Value Conclusion]](/img/n.gif)
I put 22" Fuels with 285/55 R22 Nitto Ridge graplers on My 2021 RST. On the highway at 75mph I get Between 17.9 to 20 MPG. The wind kills it for sure. I have S&B, and The stillen air scoop. Also 3.73 gear. Still better milage than the 5.3 with the same size tires. I always replace my shock with the Bistien. The Z71's us to come with Bilstiens a few Gen's back.
Why’d you go with 22” rims on the truck? Or is it primarily for the highway? 22” are definitely better for the highway, but horrible off road unless it’s got at least 8-11” of rubber under the rim..
@@vincefairleigh6899 I don't do off roading... I just like the stance without having to spend a bunch of money on a expensive lift kit. The ready 4" with the 22" is perfect for my likes.
So my 23 Z71 rst 3.0L has 275/60r20s factory. Looking to just level it with bilstien 5100s. Would i be better off getting the fronts for a trailboss and running them at stock setting or getting the model for my truck and running them at max setting? I think to level ide need about 1.5in lift in the front. Should i be considering uca's as well? I just want to get rid of the rake and not change tire size. Thanks man you are the go to source for info regarding the minimax trucks
ive read, uca not needed wwith these installed. i have a 24 rst and im getting the non trail boss and running max, i have read tb version works fine if you want to do exactly what i read you want to do that 1.5inch, instead of 2.5 on non tb version
@@MG_Z71 Thanks for that info. How’s the ride quality on your 24 RST do you have the 5100 or the 6112 and is it stiff at all?
@@Blakeneal407 it feels connected to the ground more, i wouldnt call it stiff, the difference is like a benz soft and cushiony compared to a bmw where it feels more connected to the road, firm yet smooth and handles better. i have the 5100s on mine and its night and day better
Hang tight gas prices going up . OPEC said it’s producing less oil .
Let’s hang on . I’m still
Going to buy a full size truck still ! Enjoy yours
More of a leveling thing, if they were both leveled I feel like the ZR2 would be a good chunk higher, but nonetheless makes your truck look better
Thanks!
Well if the zr2 your comparing it to isn’t a diesel then it may just be sitting higher due to engine bay weight.
Are these the 6112 struts? I ordered those and they’re pre assembling them to ring #6 (which is the highest) where it states it will be at 2 inches of height because of the weight of the 3.0 engine. I wills be putting a 1 inch rear block and 5100 rear shocks. As well as their UCA.
No, these are the cheaper ones. Using the factory springs.
Great video! I saw in a previous comment that you had not yet upgraded to the AT4 CV axles, have you had any problems with Auto 4WD? I'm looking to lift the truck only 2 inches, 1.5 block in the back with Blisteins front and back, along with UCA and upgraded cv axles.
Thanks
Correct, I did not swap axles. No issues. Mine has a 2” block in the back and I have a 1.5” waiting to be installed. I think you have the right combo in mind!
@@DemonWorks Have you installed the 1.5inch blocks in the back yet? If so have you had any problem with the bilstein trail boss versions of the strut since they are for 2-3inches of lift? I email bilstein but did not get a straight answer
So judging by the size comparison to the zr2 could this be a close mpg guess to what the new zr2 diesel will be averaging? Maybe 2 mpg less than yours since the zr2 has the open cut outs
I don’t think the open cut outs will cost you that much, I had the Colorado zr2 and it was darn close to a normal one, tire size, wheel weight and height are the big difference makers
I think my mileage should match that of the ZR2 LZ0, depending on what gear ratio they toss in there. Mine is the 3.73
Keep us up to date on that wheel and tire combo I’m thinking of getting some ZR2 takeoffs for my trail boss that currently runs the duratracs
I have the AT4 and the Territory MT tires and 3.23 gears. I’m averaging about 26mpg per tank but that’s mostly (at least 80%) highway driving and I usually keep to a maximum cruising speed to close to the posted limit (😉) on the freeway. I’m in CA, so most speed limits are 65, with a few up to 70. Also, being in CA, the minimum cetane rating of fuel here is 53.
What tire does the ZR2 use? I have AT4 which I assume is same tire as Trail Boss and tires are very loud
Part # 85040013
2” lift with axels
Update my 2022 3.0 just got lemoned. Tranny grenade itself just sitting at a stop sign. Wife said so u smell something burning then my dash flashed to stop driving and lost ability to drive and further. Luckily I was like a block from house. GM bought truck back. Now I have a ram rebel 5.7 hemi 2024
Thanks for the info and time to make this video. Have you seen the rancho factory 2” lift for gmc that is oem and keeps all factory warranty ? I just got a 2022 4x4 gmc elevation Duramax.
Factory Kit Comes with with new front axles, 4 rancho shocks and 2” blocks. It cost $1400 ouch and $900 install. I’m planning to get it but really wanted just the bilstein lift like you have. Dealer said all other lifts voids my warranty? I’m not a diesel mechanic and really need my warranty and also got an extended one just to be safe. Not sure what to do? I do not take truck off road at all but do want to lift my truck just for looks. There is a video on TH-cam with GMC engineer explaining this rancho factory lift if you have a chance to watch it. He also states that a lift GMC truck will need steering reprogrammed and some other stuff updated. He said kit can be installed at home but you will still need dealer to reprogram truck? Thanks and any feedback would be great
Follow this. Just bought a 23 LZO LTZ 4wd hoping to keep it long term to be a overland/farm truck towards the “end of life” as a road going truck. Also got the extended warranty.
Really don’t want to buy a 24 ZR2 LZO at this moment. Just lighting money on fire at this point.
I would go with another lift kit from another company and find the part number for the TB axles, it's something to consider because the factory ones when you lift them slip the axles out of their yoke more so you might actually get broken axles if you off-road hard and or regularly. I bought a ZR2 because I go wheeling every other weekend and enjoy the truck so far, but I'm having a hell of a time getting the Bison bumper ugh
The factory kit is nice and that was one route I was going to go because of the axles. I will be replacing the axles in the near future. One reason I did not go the factory lift route was because many people swap out those shocks later on for the bilstein so it made more sense to go this route for me and to share with others. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
@@DemonWorks Thanks for the help! Great channel
Do you know the part number for this kit?
If you basically put the Trail Boss kit on the front, couldn’t you have used the UCA from the Trail Boss? Also, I’m pretty sure the Trail Boss has longer CV axles, did you swap yours or are they still the stock ones?
This is the Bilstein setup made for the trail boss. There is another version for the regular trucks but this one can provide more lift. The trail boss upper control arms are the same as all of the other trucks, you can't go wrong with these $300 (for the pair) control arms. The TB does have longer axles and I will add those later down the road.
@@DemonWorks I was wondering about that-if the UCA of the TB/AT4 were the same as other non-lifted trucks. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
So, the front 5100s TrailBoss struts will fit the standard truck as well, providing a little more lift? From what I'm reading, it sounds like it, just confirming.
With the lift and UCA, did you get it aligned to factory spec or with additional camber? I see extra camber mentioned alongside lifts/levels, but don't understand if the UCAs _give_ you additional camber, or if the lift itself does and the UCAs bring it back to spec, or something entirely different?
I had my buddy align it, I’m at a dealership, and it was set to trailboss specs. All I recall is that it was within trailboss specs and I think it was sitting at about -.4 camber.
The arms are not longer, so they won’t correct the camber.
@DemonWorks I am quite curious why you choose to use the shocks you show in this video vice these Part Numbers: 24-293297, 24-293471 which are the shock used for non-ZR2 (AT4) trucks. Does it provide a benefit in ride or travel? I have a 2024 Elevation Max Tow and I was sitting 3" high in the rear prior to my RTT install. Right now I am at 2" high in the rear. I was planning to go to the full notch on the 24-293297, which Bilstein states will give ~ 1.5" lift since the 3.0 is a bit heavier. I am getting ready to order some for my truck and want to make an informed choice. I also like you recommendation to get upper control arms and why. I was not planning to get them until you showed the why.
Does the high country have the Adaptive ride control?
I did not add that package to this truck
So I got a friend that has a 2022 and just put the blocks under the struts. Is that a bad choice. I just got a 2023 gmc elevation x31 with the 3.0
That’s the most common, puts additional strain on the ball joints due to the altered angle.
Demon why is this even a concern when the factory lifted models run the same control arm? The spacers usually provide only 2” I totally get it if someone is trying to add spacers to a trailboss etc that is already “lifted” that creates a legitimate concern.
@@saltman3308 the factory ones break as well. Less common, but put a spacer on a trailboss and you have a significant chance of this happening.
I have a couple of questions for ya Demon. Lol. Your opinion would be appreciated, well anyone else’s who has experience could chime in too. So I bought this truck a month ago to ultimately tow a 29 foot light weight RV trailer, replacing my 2012 avalanche. I don’t really anticipate too much rear end sag but if i did get some that I wasn’t comfortable with, what air bag system would you recommend. I don’t need or really want an on board compressor. I can bring one with. Considering price and ease of installation. Also I currently have only 1500 miles on it as I’m being very easy and light on the throttle while I break it in. No known oil consumption yet that I can see. But in your opinion how many miles should I try to achieve before I put the truck thru a 1000 mile haul with the trailer to the altitude of Colorado? Many tks for input.
Damn, 12lbs per corner? Aren't the 18's lighter?
🥳🥳😎😎