35" tires on stock Colorado ZR2 suspension with AEV Highmark Fender Flares (Part I - Front flares)

[@CubePWR]

I've watched all the other tutorials on youtube for adding HMFF's. I like the little differences you did for a cleaner job and fitment in the tutorial. I also liked that you time lapsed the whole process which makes it so I'm not left thinking that I missed a step when doing this myself. Thanks for the video!

[@exhaustinglife]

You are welcome. Lots of detail and extended time lapse content is not great from an entertainment and engagement standpoint but it serves a different purpose to better help those trying to do it on their own to see what they need to do or have as far as tools and patience. Also, for those that want to see the details of what you get for the price of the kits this hopefully shows how the product mounts and fits differently than a typical plastic flare kit.

[@TheTBlock2]

As a few others have said you do an extremely well job of explaining everything. This video is beyond helpful for someone like myself who wants to DIY the installs for aftermarket upgrades and gear.

[@exhaustinglife]

I appreciate that, I try to provide a comprehensive guide to accompany the installation instructions ... basically the things that made me read twice or make small interpretations are what i focused on.

[@michealc9859]

Really love the camera work and instructions! If only I had a ZR2 lol.

[@richwaitas9183]

well I'm glad it found it entertaining ... all I shoot with is my shaky hands and my Samsung S20 ultra phone and a GoPro 7 black.

[@johnnymula2305]

Great how to video. If you dont mind a bit of critique about the product and the install. 1- you may have to do very slight trimming of the lower rear fender covers because of them being a bit longer than should be. If you dont trim them. You’ll have excessive force pulling it in at the lower fender mount. The filler plate was inboard as much i can get it. I also had to very slightly oblong the lower two flare holes that face the firewall. About an 1/8”. I 2- the hole for the LED from the template does not line up behind the opening on the flare. Its about 1/2” off. 3- this has nothing to do with the kit itself. But just a heads up to anyone wanting to also upgrade to LED driving lights that directly plug into the existing plugs. You’ll have to find another power source. Use the one at the amber driving light. Shortest and easiest to get to. Just a heads up. You’ll want to pull the headlights. Which requires the grille to be removed. 4- on the rear of the front fender there are two exposed holes that look like its for a mudflap. I would suggest contacting the manufacturer about eliminating the holes. The majority of 4x4’s dont run mud flaps. If they want to. They can always drill the holes. All in all. The kit definitely takes quite a while. I own a body shop and used up every bit of the 16 hours of install time. I was a bit more cautious. And double checked and second guessed myself at times. Im sure i can knock off a few hours if i did another. I do like the kit. Its OEM spec for sure. I would definitely recommend this kit if anyone asked.

[@exhaustinglife]

Thanks for watching and hope you are enjoying the Colorado and modifications. Some responses and questions for your questions: 1- What part exactly are you calling "lower rear fender covers?" My response is with my interpreting this as "inner fender liner" - The inner fender liners will not line up as the pre-formed shapes from factory are NOT close enough. with the higher cut arches are a completely different shape. I had to simply make new holes in the liner in different places. 2- I am not sure that the hole "needed" to be directly in line with the back of the LED housing as there is ample space (over an inch) for the housing and wire to pass. This is a matter of personal preference but could make someone's OCD a little happier. 3- I'm not sure why you would have to as you have to splice into the harness anyways to tap into power for the Highmark LEDs. Maybe I'm not understanding the type of plug in LED you are referring to. I ran Lucas plug-in LED emitters in the factory projectors without any issues. More info on what you had to do would help me understand 4- Are you asking that people call AEV to ask to not make those holes? AEV does spec a mud flap for their AEV up-fitted vehicles and as this is an component of their kit. Knowing the cost of changing the CnC routing or drilling templates it would seem to be out of the question when you could put a few U-nuts and screws with bigger washers ... oh wait, they did.

[@user-cl2es9iu1j]

I love the professionalism

[@samiargos]

There are a few videos on youtube about this install, but yours is amazingly detailed! great job!

[@richwaitas9183]

For sure on the other videos and I watched them and my goal was to be a little more detail oriented on the steps and go into the smaller details on how the modification looks in each step of the process. Its over 6 hours of footage smashed into 30 mins but if anyone needs more detail I have 20 GB of other footage and images ;)

[@PNW_Bison]

Awesome work, Rich, as always! Will be using this video at the end of the month. Cheers!

[@exhaustinglife]

I hope it helps out

[@steveo1413]

This is a beautifully done video. You should have a million subscribers.

[@shakey1075]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful having a visual reference while doing these flares.

[@exhaustinglife]

Happy to help and thanks for watching

[@1smokan]

Nice job, can't wait for the review on how it rides compared with stock. I am seriously looking at doing the same thing to my Bison.

[@richwaitas9183]

The ride will be more about the tires and those are due in just before Overland Expo West... couple more weeks but I am already running a 10 ply 33" tire so i don't think it will be a substantial change. The suspension remain unaffected by this modification

[@1smokan]

@@richwaitas9183 I googled looking for reviews of overall ride and handling with the 35's but the only thing I found was a C&D review and it was no good, the guy was not happy with the 35's but I think your right, it's all about the tires.

[@exhaustinglife]

@@1smokan Tires need to consider the weight of the vehicle and gear but also need to be inflated to a comfortable and functional pressure. Rarely will the tires front and back be inflated to the same pressure for a comfortable ride.

[@TSYT]

Great work!! I’ll be tackling this in a couple months and enjoyed seeing a quality how to in order to prepare!

[@exhaustinglife]

Happy to help, good luck with the install and post up some pictures when you get done on my IG: @oxidizr

[@TSYT]

Great work! Just got my fenders and I will be wiring this video up during my install. Thanks.

[@Scotty777]

Great video, thanks for the detailed explanation. I wish someone made a kit like this for my Z71!

[@exhaustinglife]

Technically you can buy the ZR2 kit for the non-bison and use the same parts. The only difference is the need for a bumper and its nearly the same process with either front fascia trimming or buying the Bison filler panels for under the headlights from the dealer.

[@chevycoloradoinalaska7018]

Wow that's awesome! Can you come up to Alaska and do my truck. Lol great video man.

[@exhaustinglife]

Thanks, I try but a trip to Alaska is probably in the near future, but who knows.

[@zr2dad5]

these flairs are the only reason i regret getting a zr2 eclb. aev only does the sb rear flair.

[@exhaustinglife]

I looked into modifying them but a good body shop would have to alter them with some good fiberglass work but honestly at the price of the parts labor to install and them modifying it might be worth having them modify the sheet metal.

[@fastjeff6]

Man that looks sharp. Good video!

[@timricks1149]

Great job man you’re videos are always very detailed and informative. I noticed you had some new upper control arms as well. I never remember that video?

[@exhaustinglife]

Thank you, The Camburg Engineering UCAs are still prototypes and in testing so as soon as the team there gives me the green light I have some content to release on that as well.

[@juniorvazquez9000]

Damn.. note to self. Don't drink before doing these cuts. Lol

[@eggamyer3371]

As informative as this was I will be paying someone to install this for me 😂

[@exhaustinglife]

The install is not for everyone and the video is there to give you a reality check and hopefully guide you down the right path to do the work or send it off to have it done. Thanks for checking in!

[@brandoncastro2052]

I am beyond thankful for this video, my highmark fender flares came in the other day and am much more confident about doing this myself! Did you already have your Colorado leveled? I have a relatively stock zr2 non bison and am curious how much of a difference it actually makes. Thanks so much for the videos, keep em up!

[@exhaustinglife]

Suspension wise, the ZR2 and ZR2 bison are identical. I had the King coilovers on but they are adjusted to about 1/2" above level to match the add-a-leaf height with my higher payload. The Highmarks look good with 33s or 35s but work as advertised under full compression to make sure you don't need lift to clear the tires and don't compromise you center of gravity.

[@brandoncastro2052]

@@exhaustinglife thank you so much for the reply! I can't wait to get these bad boys on!

[@keepupmcgee5099]

Amazing video and great work. There is not a chance in hell I would do this to my zr2. Lmao. Not a chance.

[@exhaustinglife]

It's not for everyone but that's one of the reasons why I do the videos is so that people can see what's involved and if it's really something they want to do. Thanks for watching.

[@jonchase7752]

Cool video but personally I’d pay someone to do it because cutting all that off would pain my heart soo much. Just wanna see the before and after

[@exhaustinglife]

It's a good deal of work but for me the joy is in understanding the design and seeing the workmanship first hand. I have never been one to trust anyone else to cutting up my cars and trucks so this was a must do for me.

[@stevenjohnson6998]

Liked how precise you are with everything. Just curious how is the supercharger performance, maybe I missed the on road and off-road vid you did ? Especially with the bigger tires.

[@exhaustinglife]

Coming soon. 35s arriving Friday.

[@rt4wd_wolff]

Looks good man

[@exhaustinglife]

Thank you, I'm quite happy with the results too

[@teodorppetrov]

Hey I have 17x9 +0 wheels on my ZR2 with 285/70/17 tires and I was curious if I could still go up to a 35” tire with these flares? I only barely touch under compression turning the wheel on the front where the trim kit would go and I am leveled out up front.

[@exhaustinglife]

The Black Rhino wheels pictured are 0 Offset and they will work with a narrow 35" (35"X11.50"R17) with limited or no contact depending which tire brand you pick and alignment. a 12.50 will make contact at full lock and full stuff.

[@lanem2005]

very professional video! are you a shop open to the public?

[@exhaustinglife]

I work in the industry but this is only my hobby. Between friends and work relationships I have a lot of resources at my disposal so I try to pay it forward with some DIY and "How I Do It" content for others with similar interests.

[@lanem2005]

@@exhaustinglife I appreciate the candidness and the informational videos. Any chance you have a shop you recommend for similar work in Utah or Texas? I own a 2019 ZR2 and am happy to pay for trustworthy workmanship.

[@exhaustinglife]

@@lanem2005 Shopping for the right shop is a difficult task. We have quite a few here in CA but i will need to see who i can recommend in UT and TX. Honestly the anxiety of finding a shop that could meet my needs and perform with the same attention to detail I have, was one of the reasons i started doing all of my own work.

[@davidpotter8302]

Great video! I will definitely be referencing this very soon. How long did the whole process take from start to finish?

[@exhaustinglife]

Front and back took a full day. Some time saved working in the shop and some time lost filming one side so I consider that a wash ... was about 10 hours working fairly diligently.

[@davidpotter8302]

@@exhaustinglife thanks for the info, the rig looks great! I'm doing mine here in the next month or so once my wheels are in.

[@exhaustinglife]

@@davidpotter8302 Take your time and let the panel bonder do its work. Don't rush that part.

[@underscr0e]

When stepping all the way up to 35” tires is a supercharger or front and rear gear job pretty much necessary? Just wondering how much money I need to sink into a 35” tire changeout…aev flares kit and 35” tires with spacers is pricy enough…wondering how far I have to go? Its a stock zr2, wondering if you could survive without gears or supercharger or tune etc….also don’t want to fry the tranny.

[@exhaustinglife]

Neither are absolutely necessary but certainly gearing should be considered for wear and tear on driveline components with the heavier wheels like beadlocks and 35" load range D and E tires. Its all a matter of how hard you drive and and what kind of conditions you push the truck through. There are plenty of people who have gotten away with large tire combos and stock gears but it isn't great on performance, economy (MPG) and will put more strain on the driveline. It is pretty easy to over gear the truck as well and take away from some of the driving experience over 50 mph. I wish we had a 3.73 or 3.90 gear set available for my set-up but with the ZR2 and stock lockers we are limited to stock 3.42 and aftermarket 4.10 and 4.56 sets. I am currently looking at 4.10s for the my project.

[@kmg3144]

Thank you for this. I just got a quote from a shop near me for $2,000 to do this. I am now considering doing it myself and just buying the angle grinder. Do you remember how long it took you to do the full set?

[@exhaustinglife]

I did it in one weekend and that included filming one side for this video which doubles the time on one side. This is definitely a 2 solid day job in a garage with basic tools. Just make sure you get your panel bonder and the tools you might need in advance of the weekend you plan to do it. Also consider the weather for your panel bonder as moisture and temperature will effect the adhesion.

[@wakeleyguerin68]

Thanks for the video! Hopefully I get a response from you on this question.. why did you choose that panel bonder? I know you say you are familiar with it but 3M makes a structural panel adhesive (I don’t recall the part number) that is different from what you have used and is still a GM approved bonder. Just wondering why you chose the 08116 over the structural as I’m not sure which one I should use for this application. Thanks!

[@exhaustinglife]

I have used this in other applications with good predictable results. Apart from the KZbin content you see, I have worked in professional shops building car for customers and for TV and have had desirable and lasting results as I am familiar with the application method, preparation and use. If you have any doubts on the performance of the product you will use, I would default to the product recommended by AEV which is NOT a 3M product. Again, my choice was dependent upon my familiarity of this 3M product and what I know I will do for prep and subject the vehicle to.

[@rlefebvre42]

Fantastic video, really has helped me do this install a lot! Now a question, I just noticed that you have 2 piston front calipers. My 2018 ZR2 came with 4 piston calipers. Did they make a change at some point?

[@exhaustinglife]

Thank you and yes. I believe it was 2021 that GM addressed some of the 4 piston caliper issues they have had and moved to a 2 piston design. The new designed is claimed to offer best in class braking and addresses the sticking caliper and uneven wear issues mentioned in earlier model TSBs

[@rlefebvre42]

Interesting, I hadn't heard about these issues. Mine have been fine. Best brakes I've ever had on a car save my trackday car with Wilwoods.

[@exhaustinglife]

@@rlefebvre42 I believe the issue was documented in 2018 regarding 2015-2018 ZR2 models with 4 piston calipers leaking around piston seals. Additionally there have been multiple TSBs for sticking calipers and uneven wear. Given most people and most shops will do a visual brake inspection most do not take preventative measures like cleaning / lubricating pad or piston wear surfaces these issues can become more prevalent. Also something tells me (if you are the track day type) you don't roll around for a week with caked on mud or dirt to "show" you have been on a dirt road.

[@lomosaltatho3008]

I just got my high mark fender flares delivered. They look greenish. Is that normal?

[@exhaustinglife]

i don't thing so. Have you completely unpacked them and wiped them clean?

[@lomosaltatho3008]

@@exhaustinglife They definitely are not the same as my ZR2 gray colored flares. It may be the lighting but there is definitely a greenish tint to them.

[@ericgofast]

How wide are these approx, haven't seen it listed anywhere?

[@exhaustinglife]

It is a Milestar Patagonia M/T - 315/70R17 which is an equivalent to a 35 x12.50R17

[@ylwvegas1]

What was that bumper again?

[@exhaustinglife]

It is the AEV Bison bumper. It is a stock offering from Chevrolet on the ZR2 Bison but also can be purchased in the aftermarket from AEV directly

[@ntme9]

9:00 sharpie?

[@takingnamesplayinggames2587]

why not just lift it more?

[@exhaustinglife]

More lift ruins the geometry and ride quality. With the Highmarks you get full articulation, a lower more stable center of gravity can achieve the same clearance but not have to go to a longer travel arm / shock set-up and have to replace more parts and driveline.

[@bigtimer6834]

Wanna do mine? I live in NJ

[@exhaustinglife]

Thanks for the trust but wrong coast and not even an offer for the beer?!?