ZR2 Bent Frame at the Mint 400 - Chevy Colorado & Silverado First Look

[@simonrangel9522]

Great Analysis on everything……. 👍 TY4 info

[@TheChicagOP]

The big problem was the cage ended in the cab. So the frame was super rigid in front of the bed and probably in the bed but there's nothing but stock frame connecting them so all the flex is going into that point

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Agreed. There was a cage like structure in the bed to protect the fuel cell and add chase lights. But there was no connection to the cab like on the Silverado and it enhanced a major weakness in the frame.

[@Alexander450R]

Hopefully Chevy steps up their game. Then, maybe one day with enough competition amongst manufacturers, we'll have trucks with 20"+ suspension travel right off of the dealer lot.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

That would be cool.

[@rodelraymundo]

Heyyy my favorite Raptor content maker. Love your content but I miss your Gen 2 (because I have one and you taught me a lot lol)

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. I don’t miss my 2020 but I do miss my 17 raptor.

[@MrToby-ic6kz]

Solid content. Keep up with the great work 🤙🏼

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks.

[@automotiveandmore]

I think that ZR2 is cool as hell. It's still racing. Slow or not, they are finished even with a catastrophic failure. Like you said, they may already have had an issue by then and couldn't push the truck. Can't be hating on everything so much. It doesn't matter how fast you are if you can't finish the race.

[@automotiveandmore]

Imagine arguing the point that 2nd place was really close in a race. I mean duh... that means it was competitive.... lol.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Not if you’ve driven the gladiator and a zr2 it’s not. ZR2 should have been way ahead of the Jeep. By a log shot. Gladiators can’t keep up with raptors on SoCal and Baja trails. ZR2 Colorado can. I get the impression you have not driven either. You really should try them out.

[@automotiveandmore]

@Keep It Dirty Off-Road impression are incorrect. Driven many gladiators and not a fan of them in stock form, including the Rubicons and Baja but you can't beat solud axle setup for most type of offroading. ZR2s i have driven a ton of(not the new generation coning out) and the best they had going for them were the 2.8s when they were deleted. I am excited about the high putput 2.7L though. The point is if you're beating the competition and allowing you to sandbag and make it to the end, saving the vehicle then then you are still winning. Why push it hard enough to break it. This tells me you know very little about racing in any profession level. This applies from anything to offroad racing ro F1. The R&D they got from that race is priceless to them.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Solid axles are great with rock crawling and the slow stuff. Not so good for high speed off-roading. This is a high speed race. No rock crawling, lots of whoops. While I don’t expect a stock truck to tackle the whoops like it’s nothing, I do expect them to do some real testing. At the speeds they were going, the less capable Silverado ZR2 was keeping a similar pace. I know stock raptor guys that hit the trails and the have to drive home that run faster on similar trails. But anyways, my biggest gripe are guys that take the win as a meaningful one. And it’s not. Any stock class racing that does not include the majority of the manufacturers is not proper competition. And that goes for when raptors race too. When there is no competition, the only concern is finishing, and the pace don’t matter so they go extremely slow.

[@yoopercharged6347]

So how do we feel about the Colorado ZR2 vs the Ranger Raptor? Obviously the Ranger has the better powertrain, but the ZR2 has a more refined/practical interior and it looks like the Bison is gonna ship with 35's and hydraulic bump stops on all 4 corners. I was pretty surprised to see that the US isn't get a 35PP for the Ranger. Will also be interesting to see how performance-oriented the Tacoma TRD Pro is.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Powertrain and shocks will make a huge difference. Ranger is coming with 2.5in live valves, way more power and linked rear end. All huge improvements over the ZR2 with leafs. Being able to get 35s on the bison is nice, but based on the clips and info we have so far the Ranger will outperform it. The Ranger not having 35s is odd. But I do know those that have done it, have a ton of clearance issues on the Ranger so that may be why. OR ford is planning on an R model down the road just like GM did with recently showing the bison concept. Interior looks pretty basic to me. I like the GM interior better, but rear seats are about the same. Styling wise, I think the ZR2 looks way better.

[@Sunnyelm24]

I'm thinking the driver knew he had issues when he passed by you. That's probably why he was going so slow. He's probably thinking, "they're paying me to finish this race, I'd better take it easy if I'm gonna cross that finish line".

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

That’s a good point. But we’ve seen them race a few years now and they always go this slow. Object is finishing in 1 pride only because they normally don’t have any other trucks on their class

[@AGR96]

Great video - again! Thanks! This time though you managed to make me nervous. Can you show what extra reinforcement the 2013 has? Maybe in a short? I have checked on the forums but the photos are not available any more. I understand an aftermarket bump stop can help, but there is supposed to be an extra piece of metal as well? Or is it just the frame thickness?

[@AGR96]

Actually, I found out that a decent bump stop kit can tackle the problem. What are your thought about that? I was thinking ICON. I have factory shocks, I keep it dirty seldomly/occasionally off road.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

A bump kit combined with some plating is the optimum solution. Bump kits will help reinforce the area right over the wheels. But the section between the cab and the bed needs some reinforcements. For stock travel the bump kit is fine. But if you mid or long travel the plating is a must and I’ll create a short about it tomorrow morning to show how mine is reinforced

[@AGR96]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Thank you! You are awesome as always!

[@Haulinbassracing]

Looks like it caught a square edge at a high speed, but it wasnt going fast lol maybe got nerfed real hard

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Some have said nerfed a few times. But there is no damage on that rear end. That back end was moving a lot so most like it just happened overtime, over several hits

[@1lyonmantilldeath433]

Ouchhhh!!!... that's no bueno!!... I'd luv to see where & when it folded so we could properly judge the severity of the terrain, speed, etc... Judging by the care & speed the driver was using in your clips, I can't see how they managed to fold it!!🙄🫣

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Me too. I’ve been on parts of the race course and the whoops can be huge out on the most remote sections of the course. Maybe a smooth sections before that or a large wash caught them by surprise. Or there could have just been something wrong with the frame. What ever it was, GM and the team have not really talked about the cause

[@kristoferfc6525]

the zr2 stuff on that rack you were showing, is it the ZR2 Silverado upgrades or are they just talking about what it is on the stock ZR2 Silverado?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

The rack was performance upgrades for the Silverado in any trim. That’s why you saw the rancho shocks there. I think you can get the rancho shocks stock on the trail boss.

[@kristoferfc6525]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad ah bummer, I'm waiting for something that I can lift my truck with and not void warranty with my ZR2

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I though we saw some blocks there. 🤷‍♂️

[@Rommer2258]

GM is going to GM. They do the least to make a platform. They could have had a good truck with 14" of front travel with the same dssv shocks they have already but it's all for looks. The gladiator Mojave is a pretty cool package with Fox 2.5s and hydros. Surprised it wasn't faster than the ZR2.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah. The Silverado ZR2 should have been a proper Raptor competitor. As for the Mojave, it has decent suspension, but the Jeep geometry favors sock crawling so it has very little up travel. It has more down traveling than up. so for high speed it bottoms out quicker and can’t go as fast.

[@RobSteez]

Total facts. An xj from the 90's has a stronger front diff and all the components than a Heavier 22' Colorado. The silverado in a wheelers perspective is only a trailboss with a front locker. So weak

[@SteveR-ym3yc]

My F150 did the same thing when my wife put too much groceries in it!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣

[@mikemissouri5152]

I would like to know the times of the colorado in last year’s race

[@fredrandle8994]

The Raptor is a better truck who doesn't know that, but I like the V8 without having to spend 100 grand on a consumer daily drive truck, I just want my truck to look and sound good, I own a Silverado Zr2 but I'll never go off roading or Rock climbing . I was looking to get into a Raptor before I bought the Zr2 but the mark ups were a draw back, figured I'd just get the Zr2 without having to deal with the price gouging. I love all three trucks Zr2, Trx and Raptor. Supercharger would be another 30 grand plus price gouging so we would be looking at around 110 to 160 grand for a truck let that sink in.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, the markups have gotten out of hand the last 2 years. If you can find one at sticker, that’s the way to go. Or used with a good maintenance record. But something to consider about raptors. They hold their value better than any other truck. Better than even Toyota’s. Some low mileage gen1 raptors values over their new MSRP. So if you can find one at sticker, your already under on it because so many fools pay over sticker and even old they are still desirable and in demand.

[@Blue_Flame_Raptor]

The haters can say what they want but ford has always had the best frames of the big 3. They are the strongest and the best for modifications. You can drop a raptor from the moon and it'll never bend the frame as bad as that zr2

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Totally agree. Specially after the changes and upgrades they did to the gen2. Frame under those trucks looks more like a super duty frame.

[@Haulinbassracing]

Not just frames, ford axles are much stronger that their couterparts from other companies. I work in the oilpatch in northern alberta and you see way more fords than anything else especially over 1/2 ton, you have to buy a 2500 chevy/gm too get a truck thats as capable of an f150. Best part about driving a ford is certain parts have been the same for 20 years, worst part is having a ford engine lol.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣🤣 so true.

[@angeloplanes8497]

Did the gladiator have a bent frame too?😂

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

No, no it did not 🤣🤣

[@BigWheelFab]

Didn't the Ford Ranger Raptor win in the Baja 1000 this year in the stock class.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

That’s what I’ve heard. Have not done any research on it to see if it was a proper win or another class win like Chevy.

[@BigWheelFab]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I'm pretty sure with Loren Healy behind the wheel, he wasn't nice to the Ranger.

[@brandonjernigan]

Yes it won its class.. but it was literally the only competitor lol

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

As they should be driven on a race 🤣🤣. None of this conservative crap

[@BigWheelFab]

@@brandonjernigan How do you think we could get them all to race each other.

[@merza16465]

Cheavy is cheap ford is gold

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I like that saying!!

[@merza16465]

Sorry zr2 not f9r 9ddroading 😄😄😄😄

[@danstudio482]

without brains, you can break everything, but ok well

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Very true 🤣

[@brianlebowitz9738]

I know this sounds soooo stupid… but when you edit is there any chance of bleeping the swear words? My boy and I love your videos! They are our favorite, we watch every day (catching up) but catch hell from the wife because of the language (scared he is going to repeat it at school) again, love the videos bro! Just a request!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

We get that request a lot man. There is a reason the channel is called keep it dirty. And it’s not just because the truck is always dirty. It’s the way most of us that work on our trucks talk. Would it be better if we did not cuss, yeah. But it would not be how we talk. It would be a persona for the channel. And I’ve always built this channel on being as genuine and honest as possible. It’s why we show the bad along with the good. Part of that bad is how buddies, friends, and sons talk IRL. Hope you understand.

[@brianlebowitz9738]

Sounds good! Good luck with the channel!

[@bajamedic]

I saw a Silverado zr2 in San Jose del Cabo. Not impressed. The only thing good is that it’s still a leaf sprung truck.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

So that’s an interesting take. Why do you see as leaf spring still being a benefit?

[@bajamedic]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Less moving parts. No crab walking from the track bar. Less vulcanized joints. There is a ton of customization from longer shackles and infinite load capability from deaver etc.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Ok, I get the less complexity and load carrying. But from an off-road perspective linked will outperform leafs anyday. But upgrading linked is more complicated than most think.

[@bajamedic]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad absolutely! The dodge was the first to bring this trash to market. It’s no different then the rear of a JK/JL. It improves ride quality to a certain extent but what it causes in a short arm configuration is a radial travel vs a much more linear travel. For example I got help test and develop Carli suspensions radius arm suspension on the 03-13 diesel platform. They had their short arm (stock mounting points) dialed in but were limited to a short radius and a track bar. When the front radius came to be it was a night day difference in ride quality. Mopar engineers may or may not have been taking a very very close look at what they did because they went that direction right after that. That truck will smoke 99% of raptors and tow them home. Now the current trucks in this configuration are limited up front due to a arm travel and severely limited in the rear. My deaver sprung raptor has more travel and can be super dialed in with shackle, leaf and shock. Deaver can custom build anything. You can’t go to far on a coil sprung rear because the coil will literally fall out of the vehicle like they do in Jeeps. The raptor should be a true 4 link rear end with a coil over shock and a saddle bag style tank that can hold fuel on either side of the drive shaft and make space for the arms. That is what we are paying the premium price for. The gen 1 and 2 should have been spec’d with a full leaf pack and not lift blocks that exponentially increase wheel hop secondary to axle wrap but what the fuck do I know.

[@tir421]

Why compare a baja runner to a Rock crawling slow climbing truck

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

ZR2s are not rock crawlers. The Colorado ZR2 specially. Those dssv shocks have mechanical active valves to detect full droop for a jump to stiffen up the suspension and soften the ride. You don’t need that for rock crawling. ZR2s were designed for baja, at least the Colorado was. Silverado does not really have any offroad capability.

[@BlackHawk7616]

The zr 2 looks like a Toyota 4runner

[@OscyJack-]

275/70r18 is a 33 skinny boy

[@irregularf150]

im around these trucks(ill just keep to that) and i can tell you the trail boss and zr2 are more likely to be bought by the on road “off road” people. We actually have a zr2 here and im so unimpressed by it. The only plus is the 6.2l. Now the Colorado, to me is about the same. Just something to be a good dirt road to camp truck. Especially of the frame cant tow a trailer overland. Definitely better off road styling vs silverado. Idk ive been around these chevys for awhile now and im not a fan of any of them like i used to be… For the price and what you get. The raptor is miles beyond chevy. Oh and Terrain Raptors 🙌🏻 im also bias since that’s what I have 😂

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I completely agree on the Silverado ZR2. Such a waste of a good powertrain. For the Colorado ZR2s I’ve seen plenty keep up with raptors. So I’m a little bias there. I’ve seen those guys hit the same obstacles we did without issue. But the shocks are the main reason it can do it. Frame weakness is still an issue. And totally agree. Out of the box the raptor is the most capable offroader. I’m glad they brought back avalanche for the 2023s and now we need Terrain color back!!

[@irregularf150]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad right. Oh I believe ya theyre decent off road. They have a good start on that smaller truck. And id take the Colorado over the silverado zr2 for sure. Lol the other edition ive seen first hand is that aev bison edition and that one looks great.

[@mayo3159]

Just to inform the people: 1600 class buggies actually have 12 to 13 inches of travel in the front and about 17 inches of travel in the back. But it still hurts lol

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I got the class wrong. Those buggies we showed were class 10. How much travel do they have?

[@raulgallardo5140]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad probably negative 3 inches 😂

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣 yep, -3 inches into those guys spines. Don’t know how they do it. Another level of badassdom to race those buggies

[@raulgallardo5140]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad seriously lol 😂

[@mojaveraptor]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoadclass 11 man… show them some respect 😜

[@1FiftyOverland]

Chevy notarado. Disgrace to the great state of Colorado

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣

[@4KCookies]

The Ranger Raptor raced the Baja 1000, Watch footage of that race and the zr2 looks like shit.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

ZR2s were very, very slow. Need to check out the Ranger raptor footage

[@jibrilthegreat35]

Lol thats what happens when GM tries to be an off road brand. 😂😂 Chevy needs to stick to low riders and show trucks.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣 but it would be so cool if we got a proper raptor competitor from them.

[@JR-yt5dq]

Yeah, insanely lifted trucks with unusable travel are stupid.

[@jibrilthegreat35]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad it would, but seems GM lacks the confindence. They have had 13 years to come up with something, but instead they give their fans trail bosses. Lmao

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Totally agree. Trails boss is too much like z71. Just skid plates and stickers. We need real performance

[@tctwg1]

I don’t think GM will learn or change as long as that woke Mary Barra is CEO.

[@Buy_My_Raptor]

My thoughts are damn really want a VW now 😂

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣 but can your back take it? Those guys are on another level.