zr2 race truck build: UCA's, Leveling Kit, Tie Rod Sleeves from Chevrolet Performance install

[@randalllane3081]

How much does the leveling kit/upper control arms kit cost? I've went to Chevrolet Performance but don't see any prices. BTW thanks for the great videos, been following religiously for a while now.

[@420motors]

Thanks man. Yea they don’t advertise prices. You will need to record the parts numbers of the items your interested in and call your local dealer. Has to be ordered through them. Every dealer is different as well. Some will let you order and pay at pick up. And some will require you to order in person then return for your parts. Without the parts numbers though you won’t be able to get a quote or find the item on the dealers system.

[@rockyaev8287]

@@420motors I have watched all of your upgrade videos man, got me fired up....but I found this website link but for those who have GM reward points you can double up on stuff during certain times of the year! www.gmperformancemotor.com/category/COLO.html

[@herrerajoey2]

Great video man! I don't even have a zr2. I don't even need to install ucas on my tacoma because I have already done mine. Basically what I'm trying to say is I wasted 30 minutes of my life for no reason at all. I guess at least I learned how to lick my sockets for legibility.... LoL Peace!

[@420motors]

Lmao. Bad ass man

[@NoGoodCREeP]

Nice your. Videos are popping up on my feed🤙🤙

[@420motors]

lol finallyb

[@stephens5017]

You're a national treasure for the ZR2 community dude. Thank you

[@420motors]

Lol. Thank you man, however, I can’t take all the credit. It takes a good team on our part, greatly appreciated though.

[@MichaelWilsonator]

I cannot express how much I appreciate your vids! This vid alone will save me hours of mess-ups, re-dos, and frustration. As Stephen S said - You are a national treasure for this community! Thanks for helping so many of us!

[@420motors]

As man. Thanks. Honestly that’s the only reason we do them. We enjoy helping out

[@MichaelWilsonator]

@@420motors Plus, I don't think Chevy/GM has any idea how many of their parts you sell by explaining their value to our trucks and showing us how to install them (taking away concerns about paying a garage to do the work). I sure hope they appreciate you as well. I know they'll get an additional $4k from me because of you.

[@420motors]

Yea they have shown there appreciation. Makes us proud honestly

[@Island8282]

Thank you so much for making this video man. I know how much time and added effort the videos take to make. I feel way more confident installing this myself now. I can put that money I would otherwise spend on labor to better use now.

[@420motors]

Hell yea. Good luck man

[@robertneville777]

Followed your instructions, but installed the Eibach leveling springs instead. I wish I would've gone with the Chevy Performance leveling kit, but oh well. Thanks for this amazing detailed instructional video!

[@420motors]

Thanks man. Got the axle instal video coming up next. Make some mistakes again lol

[@robertneville777]

@@420motors Yeah, the GMPP steel drive shaft was actually my first mod to the truck after I seriously dented the stock one. Came with all necessary parts and good instructions making it an easy install. Judging from this video, Chevy Performance probably does that with all their ZR2 parts. Looking forward to the drive shaft vid!

[@420motors]

Yea they are no nonsense parts it’s pretty awesome. At chevy previews points though some of us have to take it slow. Hopefully I can get the jounce shocks next. Might be a while though pricy stuff

[@footnotedrummer]

Sorry to keep interjecting comments, but I figure... if someone wants to know... I'm happy to share. @ 6:30... the external hex shaped stud protruding through the knuckle is is designed that way for manufacturing and service. The tool used on it is called a "hold and drive", and it's basically a DC electric torque wrench with an internal, stationary hex. The hex prevents the ball from rotating while you torque it down. Also... the bushings on many of these components are engineered to be torqued down at curb height. If things are torqued down while your suspension is at full rebound.. once everything is put back together and the suspension articulates to full jounce... the bushing is being forced to cone (twist) more than it's engineered to do. Just a word of caution. You'll prematurely wear your bushings out.

[@420motors]

Lmao. You mean it’s not for smashing with my sledgehammer. Actually had to take a file to it to fix deforming from my smashing cause as you mentioned, I needed to slip a wrench in there to hold in place from rotating. And about your comments. This entire channel especially install videos are a shared learning experience meant to embolden others curious to learn about their trucks. So comments like yours that are accurate and meant to clear up my guess work without being a troll and maintaining helpful aspect for viewers kinda fall into a territory that we should be paying you. Keep em coming buddy. Thanks

[@footnotedrummer]

@@420motors ... You're super generous to share all of this experience, man. Thanks so much for it. I'm merely sharing info that I know about. I'm no "expert", but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express. LMAO.

[@420motors]

Lmao. Yea thanks man. That’s why we started the channel. New to this when we started and noticed little help out there for rookies. Or at least help that one could grasp

[@trdtacopro3987]

Viva mexico!!! Chingon compa

[@420motors]

Lol. Pinches paisas.

[@tonylynch9910]

Thanks for the detailed video, wish i would of seen this before i purchased the 589 " level kit.

[@leonbank3069]

the degrees is called torque to yield. it basically stretches the threads to make them tighter so your supposed to go to the right torque then using an angle gauge go the rest in degrees. as for taking out ball joints and tie rods hammering on the stud can cause damage to the internal components, you can strike the hosing and it will break it free.

[@420motors]

Crap. Didn’t consider that thanks.

[@leonbank3069]

@@420motors np. I just put in a lev kit on my zr2 also but being a tech and way too lazy to work on my own stuff all my torque specs are in "uga dugas" out of my impact gun 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@420motors]

Lmao. Trust me that would have been my method if I wasn’t making a video. Actually would have tried to see how far I could go without reading instructions 🤦‍♂️

[@DTR0454]

You’ve come a long way with this ride brother, good shit.

[@420motors]

Thanks man. Got a lot more to go

[@zamboni68]

Why didn’t you put the spring compressors with threads pointing up? Seems it would make it easier to compress and decompress the springs. Love your honesty about mistakes.

[@420motors]

Didn’t think of it lol.

[@sopito7883]

I take few minutes just for watching your videos brother men the truck looks better N better 👍

[@420motors]

Thanks man. I know it’s hard to watch long video

[@El_5Zero]

Loved the video! Reminded me of when I work on my truck, I also use my shop forklift to pick up the truck lol. Ah Raza! 😁😁😁👍👍👍👍

[@420motors]

Lol

[@erniemyslinski4113]

Dying when you said “this is when you get mad and start yelling at your kids about holding the flashlight wrong” lol nice video though man!

[@420motors]

Lmao. We’ve all been yelled at right. That’s why I’m learning so late in life. Hated learning with my dad lol

[@erniemyslinski4113]

420 motors oh yeah I know how it is haha. Also next time you have to take off the springs check out the powerbuolt spring compressor from autozone. Pep boys might have it also but that’s the one I just used and I just felt like it was a bit more robust and safer than the threaded rod ones.

[@420motors]

Oh nice. Thanks man

[@billstrehl9822]

@@erniemyslinski4113 thx for the tip on spring compressor. looks like an easier tool to fit in as well.

[@victoriousvictor7978]

Mixing metric and standard is fine. Just the smaller sizes dont fit right. Anything after 9/16ths is game on for mixing them.

[@420motors]

Oh sweet man thanks. I’m sure long term would wear the tolerances of the tools and bolts but good to know man thanks

[@victoriousvictor7978]

Ever think of just removing the sway bar? Was night and day offroad on my tacoma. And not very noticeable on road. A little more body roll,but not bad.

[@420motors]

Yea a few have recommended it from day one. Everyone loves it on dirt and cautions for highway. But I like cornering and donuts so shy away from extra body roll.

[@madcratebuilder]

@@420motors Put some Timbren off road bump stops on the truck and ditch the bar!

[@420motors]

I want some bump stops badly

[@victoriousvictor7978]

I want some hydro bumps bad. To bad there is no where to bump off of on a stock front.

[@mikemissouri5152]

The GM performance bump stops look awesome but are expensive of course.

[@Island8282]

This question might be a bit out there but… Do you have more clearance between the ball joint and the tire sidewall with these new upper control arms? Is that something you may have noticed? It’s a mystery I’ve been wondering for a while! I see Chad Hall races the ZR2 with these upper control arms installed and fits a 35” tire on the stock ZR2 rims. I’m wondering how he does it. Especially with AEV stressing the importance of using their aftermarket wheels to provide of the offset needed for a 35” tire. I doubt he uses wheel spacers so this leads me here… Thoughts?

[@420motors]

Yea 35 is exaggerated already. 33’s on stock wheels will rub on most bump stops. The answer to your question is yes but not much. The truth is that the rear will give you problems before the front if you insist on stock wheels. Also race wheels have less offset than most aftermarket wheels. Almost a happy medium between stock and zero offset.

[@Island8282]

@@420motors thanks for the quick reply! how come the rear will give problems first? (i have the 33” inch AEV trim kit installed + an Old Man Emu heavy duty spring that gives an extra 1-1.5” of ride height in the back - in case that changes things)

[@420motors]

Because most bump stops just get bolted on to the rear frame and they stick out as an afterthought. Seems some of the lower end systems are the worst offenders though. The chevy ones would be fine with 33 and stock wheels I think.

[@BarracudaBud]

On the GM site it lists other parts they recommend running with this upgrade. Do you think they’re necessary? The tie rod sleeves are cheap but the jounce shocks and the half shafts are crazy expensive.

[@420motors]

Oh yea. Those are just recommendations. And yea the shafts are bad ass and worth it if you can afford them. And currently waiting on the rear jounce shocks. But no you can do one upgrade at a time and the system will work well. But yea if you lift the front and abuse it you will need the half shafts. If you only go out a few times a year. The vehicle should survive just fine

[@BarracudaBud]

420 motors awesome thanks as always for the great info

[@420motors]

No problem man you're welcome. If you really want some insight be sure to check out our Chad Hall Ride Along video where we discuss the GM product line with the design engineers.

[@420motors]

Hell yea. Thanks for watching

[@roblowndes7829]

@420 motors, great job and thx for posting up. Yeah, like you said, First pass and Final pass are to simply torque to the first value and then add a little more (amount of degrees more) to it. Also, it was wise of you to use the new bolts because single use bolts should never be re-used and should always be replaced. Hope you enjoy the kit.

[@420motors]

Thank you man. Yea I stress about the bolts walking out over time. Just keep an eye on them lol

[@AreEff1987]

So what's the difference with changing upper control arms? Compared to stock

[@420motors]

Longevity and proper function from the improved high angle ball joint. Standard ones would be fine for a short while on the dirt. For a street queen it might not ever show its benifits. It’s just for taking more abuse.

[@mcool4587]

Another great video. I have my eye on the same kit for my ZR2. Yeah its expensive, but your paying for the factory engineering and know it will work correctly 10 years down the road. Any suggestions on who has a good prices on all of the GM performance parts? I'm eyeing the performance exhaust and intake system they make. ill bet that kit pushed your approach angle far past the stock 30 degree angle.

[@420motors]

Yea not really able to get deals I think. I believe all the parts need to be purchased through your participating local dealer

[@armyvet1423]

hi, what light bar are you using? Any suggestions for upgrades to the factory lights? Just bought my Bison last wk.. Looking to do the same things u are doing on my bison

[@420motors]

The kc highlights pro 6

[@armyvet1423]

@@420motors thk u..

[@bpt233506]

Really looking to get this GM leveling kit for my ZR2 but I would like to maintain some small amount of rake. How did the truck sit once everything eventually settled? Is the front and rear completely even or is there still a little bit of rake? Thanks

[@420motors]

Actually I didn’t notice any change in roll or rake. The rear end is more settled however. At high speeds it’s not noticeable. But sliding around corners that aren’t flat just for fun, you do feel the rear more connected or even tighter. That’s it. Didn’t feel a difference up front. Sway bar always installed.

[@Ares19951017]

What are the max size tires you can put on with the leveling kit? Your videos are always awesome I can’t wait to start modding my zr2

[@420motors]

Depends on wheels honestly. If your running stock wheels then you can fit 33’s I think. On my wheels 32 is too big in the back. Not a big problem and no problem at all if you don’t do much crawling. Fine for desert running. So 33’s will fit fine on aftermarket wheels. But yea I wouldn’t invest in those tires if your not prepared to trim for proper use

[@lamesadave]

Great video. I have one question: If the control arms are the same, why not just change the ball joint to the upgraded part?

[@420motors]

Thank you, thanks for watching. They are changed because the improved ball joint is a larger diameter than stock, hence the arm is machined differently.

[@66Duffman]

Gotta lick the sockets to see the size 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 #protip

[@420motors]

Gross tip lol

[@1098zo]

Great videos! Thank you. Are you thinking about doing the front Jounce shocks? Do you think they are worth it for mild build?

[@420motors]

Yea I want to just haven’t set aside money for it

[@JohnSmith-sh1zg]

I’m watching now lol.

[@420motors]

Lmao don’t make fun of my mistakes buddy lol

[@JohnSmith-sh1zg]

420 motors you need me to help hold the camera just ask bro lol.

[@420motors]

Lol. Would have been useful. Thank god for this install though. Would have spend a ton of time on the trail the other day if I haven’t already done it

[@JohnSmith-sh1zg]

420 motors Yeah we spent enough time sorting vehicles out to say the least last trip.

[@CGphotoOp]

How would this compare to Eibach Pro Lift Kit springs that lift the front of the ZR2 by the same amount, 1.25"? Would it be recommended to also get higher articulating UCAs with those? See here: eibach.com/us/2135/E30-23-007-02-20-CHEVROLET-Colorado-pro-lift-kit

[@420motors]

Yes for the upper control arms

[@georges4562]

Great video and mods !

[@420motors]

Thanks man

[@XxbrandonxX234]

Is it recommended to go with the upgraded upper control arms or will stock work with the level kit?

[@420motors]

Stock will work. Will wear out the ball joints with time. But if your not off-roading more than once or twice a year I wouldn’t worry about it. If you plan to abuse it then I highly recommend them. But yea the stock one will run ok

[@Erik-jp7kk]

That’s not too bad..Is it possible to order a zr2 with the leveling kit already on?

[@420motors]

Yea you gotta do it through your dealer. The entire parts catalog is available like that.

[@jocoseness]

Ratcheting wrenches would have saved you a ton of time, especially on that upper knuckle where you have to use an Allen wrench. Just can’t torque them properly. Nice video!!

[@420motors]

I had them but needed the ones with flexible head.

[@armyvet1423]

Anyone have any suggestions for an exhaust system for best performance? Been thinking on the AFE High tuck.

[@420motors]

I like my exhaust system. Great low end performance wraithoffroad.com/

[@armyvet1423]

@@420motors thk u again. What type of gains have u seen by adding that exhaust?

[@420motors]

Not a ton it’s just an exhaust. Some low end power gains is all to brag about.m so it definitely improves the powerband at its lowest point. It’s not annoying for normal driving. Start ups sound nice and aggressive driving sounds great. Also in downhills you get a bit of overrun noises

[@JLeeChron]

👍 for the effort help & explanations. “Tool up” !

[@420motors]

Lol always look for an excuse to tool up

[@evoone3039]

hope you tighten everything after u put the truck on the ground. your gonna tear ur bushing out really quick. then truck needs to put too be sitting with the weight on the suspension first.

[@420motors]

Went back and tightened everything cause too many mistakes were made

[@jb1995]

Good video. I always like watching your stuff. I think you love this truck more than your raptor?!

[@420motors]

Actually yea. The raptor is suck. But definitely have been saved enough times by whatever herby the love bug juice they made my truck out of to not bond with it. Really love the little truck.

[@bvonscott]

I had a bitch of a time when I replaced my uca’s too. But I have waaaaaay more room above the shock tower, I can fit my whole head up there if I wanted lol

[@420motors]

Lol. Damn. Jealous lol

[@johnathoncastro]

You got any h3's in your crew?

[@420motors]

No but there dope. Some of the chevy parts fit on them also

[@W.A.F]

Harbor freight has decent (cheap) torque wrenches in a blow molded case for 20 bucks (150lbs)..

[@420motors]

Nice yea cheap ones work lol

[@joseperez-oi9oq]

Can you upsize your tire size now?

[@420motors]

Yea. But the rear rubs slightly. Will need to trim that up before.

[@okigojuryu]

29:10 hol up, is that a first gen Colorado with a 2nd gen body or something? Last I checked 2nd gens had SOA,not SUA. On another note, nice vid.

[@420motors]

Thanks man. Yea it’s definitely a gen 2

[@okigojuryu]

@@420motors so... it was SUA converted? Weird.

[@420motors]

No man. You might want to check again. It is stock

[@okigojuryu]

@@420motors were talking about the blue Colorado in the last bit of the video, right?

[@420motors]

Oh yes I’m sorry I missed that you even put a time stamp on there. Yea that’s a protype kit by baja kits. I’ll show more in the next video. He got a full suspension on it.

[@Nitrousco2]

Is that the satin steel paint color? It’s freaking beautiful but none of the images online look anything like that!!

[@420motors]

Yea it’s a nice paint color. It’s just the grey metallic whatever lol I forgot the exact name.

[@zr2overlander323]

You are going to cost me more and more money with these upgrade videos. Got the Chev Performance steel driveshaft coming. Already had aftermarket tie rod sleeves installed. Your comments on removing that upper rear shock mount bolt had me rolling. So true. The driver's side is always a bigger pain in the ass than passenger up front!

[@420motors]

lol. That was awful man. I wanted to cry half an hour in. Lol

[@giermob11]

Viva México dude, whatever.......

[@420motors]

Lol sometimes you just gotta make it work

[@Meg8554]

Underbody needs a wash lol

[@420motors]

Lol it’s just gonna get dirty again

[@Meg8554]

@@420motors well watch out. GM did a cheap job on the under coating on the trucks.

[@420motors]

Shoot I don’t know. But don’t think there is anything that would survive the sand blasting that we give it on the trails. If you abuse it you gotta be prepared to fix it

[@Meg8554]

@@420motors yeahh watch out if you go to salt water. My dad Colorado is a z71 one and doesnt off road. I do north east but the spring and the frame started to rust. So i sand it down and put a under coating on it to prevent rust. Watch out tho

[@trailstokemtb]

Nice video once again, Carlos. I have the 589 fab leveling kit and premium shock skids waiting to be installed on mine. Update on my front locker not engaging: GM couldn’t find anything actually wrong with wiring or anything and it could have just been stupid user error. I engaged everything before leaving for the dealership and it worked fine. Hopefully it was just a fluke.

[@420motors]

Lol. Yea hopefully it’s just a fluke man. That’s strange though. You would notice something if your axles or transfer case is bad. I need to make the skid plates for ours also