The ULTIMATE Chevy Colorado ZR2! AEV's Built Bison on 35s!

What if you took a Chevy Colorado ZR2 and modded it with EVERY UPGRADE ‪@AmericanExpeditionVehicles‬ offers?! Then you'd get this ULTIMATE ZR2 BISON on 35" Tires! Today you'll get a detailed walk-around of this "upfitted" Bison, compare it to a factory ZR2 Bison, and see how it drives on 35 inch tires vs stock 31's.
Thanks to Nate from AEV for sharing this awesome truck with us. If you're interested in these parts check out their website: www.aev-conversions.com/
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:00 All About AEV and the ZR2 Bison
2:14 Factory Bison Overview
3:13 Upfit Bison Tour
11:26 Upfit Bison on 35's Road Test
13:53 Final Thoughts
#jasonexplainsthings #aev #americanexpeditionvehicles #chevycolorado #zr2 #zr2bison

[@DrivenCompanion]

Great Video Jason. I'd be in favor of more Bison on the channel.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Mike. Yeah the plan is a nice mix of Bison, 4Runner, Tacoma (maybe someday) for the 4x4 action. We have at least 3 more Bison videos in the works right now.

[@connerm1571]

Awesome awesome video guys! Love the support for the bison platform. You see lots of stuff about ZR2’s and Bisons. But not too much on guys with stock bisons who want to upgrade their bison further. Almost to the level of an off the line AEV custom

[@betweenthepines4000]

I can attest to two AEV snorkels on my JK and JT with zero rain or snow issues. This btw is a badass cool truck from AEV. I considered a bison diesel and even drove a ZR2 before ordering one but went with a Gladiator ecodiesel. AEV is probably hands down the best aftermarket manufacturer when it comes oem quality parts.

[@MontePlaysGames]

Thanks for showing this off. Fun ultimate edition. Slowly been adding on the AEV parts to my 21 Bison.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Awesome! More additions are planned. Bedrack and snorkel are next. :-)

[@davestewart9146]

Great video guys 👍😁

[@BowTied69]

That's awesome. Now we are expecting a lot more AEV mod content!! :) Loving my Bison, so keep it coming.

[@PNW_Bison]

We'll see!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Next Bison mod is the front leveling kit. 👍 But Chris and I have more planned after that.

[@Trice4305]

Nate mentioned 22mpg with the diesel for city driving. Did you happen to see what his mileage was for extended highway on diesel? Thinking about trading in my 19 ZR2 on diesel version.

[@capstake8788]

Nice video. Keep it up!

[@msiebel29]

Awesome video!! Almost makes me wanna trade in my 4Runner for a Bison Colorado, lol!!

[@Slingin_Bait]

My ZR2 should be here in 4 days.🤞

[@skiptheroad]

Great video. I am surprised that the stock tire size on a new Zr2 is only 31" tall. My 27 year old '95 S10 ZR2 came with 31" tires stock from the factory and it is a much smaller truck. I would think Chevy could at least put 33's on their modern day Zr2 Colorado's.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I was a little surprised too. My 4Runner came with 32" tires from the factory... although they were highway tires that I swapped out immediately. Compared to the Tacoma, the ZR2 tire size makes some sense. That truck also comes with 31" tires currently (even the TRD Pro)... although that one has a 16" wheel instead of a 17" like the ZR2.

[@edwardclement102]

The regular ZR2 is better looking and faster to 60 mph, but the Bison adds more to the offroad package, so I would take it. I am curious about the new Colorado coming up and the 2.7 Turbo.

[@NilesProductions]

That truck looks dope!

[@aevnate4140]

It is!!!

[@craigborrenpohl1233]

Hey AEV, make the HighMark Fender Flare kit for the extended cab Colorado and you can TAKE MY MONEY.

[@aevnate4140]

Hey Craig, our Highmark fender flares are designed to fit on a crew cab short bed, but if you install them on an extended cab long bed there will be a gap between the fuel filler door and the cut out in the flare for the fuel door. They do fit it just looks off.

[@craigborrenpohl1233]

@@aevnate4140 I've been curious if it was just the cutout for the fuel door, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and confirm. Cheers from North Idaho.

[@ZR2plowboy]

It would seem like a no brainer to make them fit a extended cab set just leave out the cut out for the gas door. I would buy a set right away.

[@aevnate4140]

@@ZR2plowboy The Highmark flares do fit on the extended cab, Colorado there might be some slight modifications needed. Call our friends at Mule Expedition they will have a better insight into how to get them to fit.

[@wesharris07]

Amazing video but I think I missed it where Nate talks about whether he has the Chevrolet performance leveling kit with the 35’s or is it stock with the high market fender flares and 35’s? Awesome video!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I believe it has that but I’m not 100% sure. Chris’ grey truck does.

[@Logan-st7vb]

It has the snorkel... Get to it man!

[@jonchase7752]

Fan of the upgraded bison but what is the extra costs

[@brettloo7588]

i got a 2020 diesel bison and plan to keep it for the long haul

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Rad! Congrats. You can’t get one any more so enjoy it.

[@romneybiddulph5799]

Question when upgrading to 35s do you need to get new trans gearing if you chose the option when ordering to be geared in 4.10? bc all colorados come on 31s so the tans would make up the gearing to make it run smooth?

[@PNW_Bison]

Would highly recommend regearing, yup.

[@xj-n-4lo196]

Great video! This may be a Nate question, but I'm curious about the speedometer recalibration running the 35's. To my knowledge there isn't anyone offering recalibration on the diesel ZR2's. Any ideas if and how Nate might have went about recalibrating his speedometer? Maybe a custom tune perhaps?

[@PNW_Bison]

I believe it is a custom in-house tune only available on the upfit package, yep.

[@aevnate4140]

@@PNW_Bison On this particular bison it has a Lingenfelter performance tuner. I'm not sure if all of our Bison builds use these.

[@kelseyhayes8171]

Hypertech In Line Speedometer Calibrator Module Part #730129. It will work with 35's.

[@tytanheresa7118]

Did you happen to get the make and model of the bed topper ? I been looking for one exactly like that for my colorado.

[@leoabad9361]

A.R.E.

[@carminered]

Love the Bison content. Ive wanted to send mine to AEV but Wixom is soooo far. Do people just drive it there and back from the PNW?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nate's been responding to comments so hopefully he chimes in for the 100% right answer.

[@aevnate4140]

It really depends on the customer. Some people will order the truck and have Chevy drop it off at our facility, others will drive, or choose to have a shipping company haul it to Wixom, MI

[@davidblodgett7588]

Any way to find out what cap and roof rack brands and models were on the AEV truck? Exactly what I have been looking for.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

ARE I believe.

[@PNW_Bison]

Sadly that's not part of the upfit package, so we didn't spend any time on it. We should have, I guess, sorry!

[@timothypowell5446]

Love that high rise topper, who makes it?

[@PNW_Bison]

That's an A.R.E. Topper

[@julianguerra1669]

What kind of camper shell do you have on the red truck? NIIICCEE!!

[@PNW_Bison]

I believe this is the A.R.E. MX Classic

[@bradcoons8521]

What is the metal band on the front bull bar on the red bison?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I'm 99% sure its a mount for a flag when off-roading in sand.

[@kimbukbuk4287]

Chevy must bring Colorado ZR2 Bison into Korea because Ford already bring Ranger Raptor. I really wanna buy ZR2 Bison!!!!

[@scrambler350]

Would like to see an Aussie-style tray bed on one of these ZR2 Colorados.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Chris has some awesome bed accessories planned. :-)

[@aevnate4140]

AEV did make one tray bed Colorado Bison. It definitely was a cool truck.

[@scrambler350]

@@aevnate4140 I'll have to google it. Have been thinking about getting a ZR2 ever since they dropped, but hate the tiny bed (my buddy has a Z71), figured the tray bed would be a badass way to be able to haul full sheets of plywood and things on pallets or even a dog box for hunting...just generally make the smaller bed-space more flexible and usable.

[@aevnate4140]

@@scrambler350 Yes, The Colorado 5' beds are small. I have a spare tire in the back along with a few recovery items and it feels like I ran out of space, but if hauling plywood was a common thing then check out or full-size trucks like the Ram Prospector and Prospector XL.

[@kelseyhayes8171]

What mods, if any are done to the front and rear suspension on the AEV Bison? Also, is the canopy on the AEV truck an ARE?

[@PNW_Bison]

No mods to suspension other than a GM performance level.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

And the fancy pants bump stops. :-)

[@kelseyhayes8171]

@@PNW_Bison Is it the performance level kit with the high angle UCA's and the spacers or just the spacers alone and no UCA's ?

[@kelseyhayes8171]

@@JasonExplainsThings Which bump stops are you referring to? Are they GMPP?

[@PNW_Bison]

@@kelseyhayes8171 yes this truck had the GMPP bump stops. Forgot about that.

[@ifnothingchanges7846]

Anyone know if the “snorkel” has been tested in an actual water setting?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

We have used it more for dust (we did an install of it a few months after filming this video). Many of the truck's electrical components will be submerged if you go much above the grill. But it does raise up the air intake significantly... better for splashes and shallow water crossings.

[@mquez509]

That's interesting he is running 4.10 gears. Normally Nitro gear recommends 4.56 for 35's and 4.10 for 33's. I guess with the Diesel you would probably not feel the weight of 35's as much as you would with a gas truck. If you need to borrow a fancy Milwaukee rivet gun for snorkel install let me know lol.

[@ajburson7931]

Im running 35s on 4.10 gears on a gas truck, does just fine.

[@aevnate4140]

It really depends on the vehicle. I know 4.56s are the perfect choice for 35's on a JK, but I'm not a gearing expert so I leave it up to them.

[@mquez509]

@@ajburson7931 I don't thought it will do fine but Nitro recommends things for a reason.

[@mquez509]

@@aevnate4140 Nitro gear made a video installing gears on a colorado lots of info directly from the experts.

[@aevnate4140]

@@mquez509 Thanks, I will check them out. Nitro Gear are some great guys I'm sure I will learn a thing or two.

[@madcratebuilder]

Interesting to know what that Bison weighs.

[@johnsilver7150]

Front passenger was watching road like he was SO NERVOUS. Relax dude.

[@PNW_Bison]

In his defense, you've never ridden with me, 😂😁.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

LOL. Chris I haven’t been scared with you driving…. since 2001. In 2001 you scared me.

[@paulerojo3538]

Can you send us a link of the truck topper?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It's from A.R.E. Not sure what the model is.

[@mickbar7008]

How much does the upgrade cost?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Check their website in the description. Parts and other info available there.

[@user-cy1yq4ri9b]

Does it have be a Bison and how much?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

These trucks aren’t on sale new anymore. The new Bison will come out next year and final pricing isn’t announced yet. I’ll guess around $62,000… judging by the price of the ZR2 with the desert boss package.

[@killstrees]

Hwy 821 between Selah and Ellensburg?

[@thecount1001]

isn't it much harder on the transmission?

[@PNW_Bison]

Shouldn't be with the regearing.

[@Jdogger1979]

Someone needs to let these guys know 40" tires are the new 35" 's...

[@PNW_Bison]

40's on a midsize? 😬

[@wadeduvall7026]

I guess I'm a little surprised he didn't go 4.56 gearing...

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Might be a gas vs diesel thing? If we do another video with Nate I'll definitely ask this question.

[@wadeduvall7026]

@@JasonExplainsThings Or the 4.56 kit wasn't out in 2018...

[@zr2overlander323]

Nitro recommends 4.10's for 35" and the diesel. They recommend 4.56's for 35" and the gasser. I have the gasser and currently running 33's and nitro and the shop that installed it recommended 4.56's for any future proofing with larger tires. Only downside has been a loss of gas mileage but this isn't my daily driver so I'm okay with loss of gas mileage. I will eventually be 35". In my opinion the regearshould be at the top of Mod list for this truck. And yes it is also Trifecta tuned.

[@mattandrickadventures8416]

Great video brother but the truth is the zr2 with the 3.6 liter has a flawed transmission that has endless powers; unfortunately, this makes most zr2s unreliable.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Time will tell for sure. One concern I have for them is carbon buildup.

[@mattandrickadventures8416]

@@JasonExplainsThings don't get me wrong I love the Colorado ZR2,I owned two of them but both had transmission problems

[@madcratebuilder]

@@mattandrickadventures8416 Zero issues with my 17, almost 5 years and 4+ with the Trifecta tune.

[@mattandrickadventures8416]

@@madcratebuilder awesome but I believe you own the diesel which is a different animal all together

[@madcratebuilder]

@@mattandrickadventures8416 I'm modified gas, cai, exh, ported tb. 4.10/33's. Early transmissions respond to the new fluid, adding "shudder fix" has helped many 8l45 owners.

[@369VIDEO]

Se você quer fazer viagens longas diesel e muito melhor ❤

[@troydority265]

Come buy my 1985 dodge w100 custom 318 4 speed brother

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Oh man! 2 old Dodges? Maybe if I did KZbin full time.

[@troydority265]

@@JasonExplainsThings well because this one also is dependable as all get up and with what's wrong with it at the same would more than likely give you more content to put out and more knowledge about them under your belt!😁plus it's a three owner truck well taken care of so if anyone else is reading hit me up👍

[@B86432]

75k from aev ......trx $$$$

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Pretty common when you add that many mods. Definitely not cheap. I'm personally a fan of adding mods yourself over time, but it's really cool to see a truck with almost every mod you can think of.

[@PNW_Bison]

It is, but it all depends on what you need/want. This truck will fit on trails I wouldn't dare take a TRX.

[@codyvance2832]

The front fender flares, bumper and body panel under headlights do not line up... doesn't look horrible, but doesn't look good, or OEM. The bison bumper, flares and body fit together great and looks way better than the aftermarket zr2 parts, especially looking at them side by side like this

[@369VIDEO]

DIESEL KILL GASOLINE ENGINE

[@rudedogii]

Too much money. I bought a 2018 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab LT and built my own Overlander. All DIY!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Since we did this video we essentially have done all the upgrades to make an upfit Bison… all DIY minus the re-gear.

[@msfingerboarder12345]

The sales manager is actually the driest human being I have ever seen 😭

[@BowTied69]

He's a regular guy, not a hollywood actor. I thought he was on point and courteous. jmo

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nate's a great guy. This was his first time doing a video.

[@waynemurrah4892]

He did a great job communicating everything!!

[@sharkiesgirl8929]

Reduce the price of the stock truck. Under 40,000 is more realistic.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I wish it was all cheaper too, but that's a bit pie in the sky. The most overpriced truck in my opinion would be the Jeep Gladiator. I cross-shopped Tacoma's, Colorado's and Gladiators. The Jeep is cool, but a good $10k more than the others comparatively. That and the prices people are willing to pay for used trucks means prices will stay high for a long time.

[@brandonrodger8020]

So you buy the most expensive bison from Chevy just to be told there is still a higher level through AEV that you should get. What a rip off. The worst part is your still in a Chevy. Just go buy a Tacoma.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Feel free to check out my Tacoma videos. :-)

[@PNW_Bison]

😂😂😂

[@JasonExplainsThings]

If you're interested I wrote a short blog post about how this video came together. jasonexplainsthings.com/blog/f/yay-trucks-aevs-ultimate-chevy-colorado-zr2-bison?blogcategory=Overland+DIY

[@connerm1571]

Wouldn’t mind creating a bison heard sometime in the future and tackle some trails together

[@JasonExplainsThings]

@@connerm1571 Sounds awesome!