ZR2 Lift & Exhaust Mods

In this video we take you through the lift options for the gas & diesel engines on the Colorado ZR2. We also show you how to install bump stops and show you the exhaust mod we did! Thanks for watching and leave a comment if you have any questions!
Products (we are not being paid by anyone)
Spacer lift: Rough Country part 921
www.roughcountr...
Bump Stops: Belltech 4924
www.amazon.com...

[@adamweinberg4820]

Loving the videos guys. Question…. I just bought a ZR2 Bison. I’m putting a 2” Daystar leveling kit on. Can I get away with putting 33’s on without any trimming?

[@thadon305]

I really love your videos, I always feel like im watching Top Gear or a similar TV show. Keep up the good work. PS alot of your mods make their way to my ZR2 Diesel as well lol.

[@brookeandalan6587]

Thanks! I've seen your stuff on IG (sweet emblem mod by the way!) Keep it up and thanks for watching!

[@jeffreyjohnston6843]

hi great vid . on the fender trimming I took mine apart and trimmed that little metal tab that sticks down on the plastic I used a heat gun and heated it up and bent it back to where the small part is kind of straight and the fender its self I trimmed that part that sticks out about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch then on the under part of the fender so you don't see it I cut out a wedge and heated it up and bent it together and the melted the two marts back to gather using a soldering iron and a piece of the plastic I cut off . it's tricky to do but if you are careful and use flat metal pieces to straighten the plastic it will look factory and give you clearance for 33s

[@hochhaul]

The truck looks great! Nice improvement in ground clearance!

[@ASEfl2]

Good afternoon. Little late question on this video, but just picked up a 2017 Zr2 and like what y'all have done with this one. My question is in regards to the bump stop mod. Did you get your measurement off the oem bump stop before the leveling kit or after? I'm just a little confused from the video. If it was done after the level, and you took that measurement amount off the belltechs, why even have changed them? They would be no different, right? Or am I just really confused, lol! Thank you in advance.

[@EricNelsonYT]

Would I need to install longer bump stops if I use the 1.25" ReadyLift leveling kit? I believe it mounts different than the Rough Country you used

[@ghuron13]

Really great videos. Good information and very professional presentation. I've got a 2019 zr2 minimax that I want to put 33s on. Im also going to copy that exhaust mod but, My question is regarding calibration of the speedo after the tire size increase. Did you bother with it? If you dont mind my asking, how much did it cost? Also, is re-gearing necessary with this amount of tire size increase? I'm assuming its not.

[@Seandif13]

Great video, what did you guys do to the stock rock sliders? Looks like there is a little more meat on there. I like that. Definitely trying to add a little bit of metal to the stock slider like you guys did

[@wolfsburg4x4]

Best American truck ever made, wish I had the spare coins to buy one. Great mods too, just right, not overdone. I live in Mexico so I can buy the diesel Hilux and the VW Amarok diesels for half the money :)

[@Svtdude302]

Nice truck!! Thinking of getting this truck and doing a 2 inch level with the same size tire you are running. Would I still have to trim?

[@evansautomotive307]

Crazy how much stuff you have to do to fit 33s on newer trucks. My 1995 montero fits 33x12.5s with no trimming or anything. I have 35s with just a 1.5in body lift. But the zr2 is still sweet haha.

[@zztop5911]

Mountain Man Fishing I had to jack my 2018 silverado up 6” just to fit 35s and still did metal trimming !! On a 9 wide!! Ridiculous now days

[@justinwheeler9840]

Question Rough country's website states the 1" and 2" leveling kits will not work on the ZR2. Can you explain how you were able to make the leveling kit work?? Thanks

[@brookeandalan6587]

We just did a lot of research and found people were using this lift successfully on the ZR2. We gave it a try and it was a very easy install (really no different than any other spacer lift) and no modifications the spacer lift were needed. The 2" spacer is too long since the ZR2 is already 2" higher than a regular Colorado but the 1" works great. It's kind of funny because when I ordered the kit from Amazon it showed it would fit the ZR2 and then a month or so later (after I had already installed it) I happened to notice it no longer showed it would fit. We have about 10,000 miles on the spacer lift with no issues at all. Eibach now makes a leveling spring kit for the ZR2 - this would be a good alternative. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Huskerrunner42]

What kind of effect does the leveling kit have on the ride? Does it take away any of the benefits from the great dampers on the truck?

[@brookeandalan6587]

Doesn't effect the ride at all. The leveling kit just a spacer that mounts between the frame and the shock so the length of the shock isn't altered and this keeps the ride stock. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@xCraziiPanda]

You guys did great so far. Thinking of getting the same tires for my 17 Rubicon. Going to do any LED exterior lighting? Winch? Hi-lift jack?

[@brookeandalan6587]

The Nitto's have been great so far....almost 7,000 miles on them with several off-road trips and still happy. They look like they are gonna last a long time. I'd like to upgrade bumpers but I'm waiting for the aftermarket to catch up and give us more options.....don't want to build my own but I will if I have too. I want a better approach angle from the front AND fit a winch - I may be asking for too much. I've been playing with Hi-Lift mount options but haven't made up my mind there either. While I'd like to improve lighting, we have this thing about LED light bars....You'll see in the next video. Thanks for watching!

[@JPE_DRAEB]

Disappointed you didn't show the skid plate for the rear shocks.. Any way to move them to get more clearance?

[@JibberJabber70]

Love the fender mod! Have 16 Z71 4wd Duramax with leveling kit and 20’s...need to mod Fender for 2” Spacers. Thanks!!!

[@BigFrogs4x4]

Good video you two. I have a channel as well with the ZR2 and other 4x4s. Glad to see you're still shooting video. Was worried since it has been so long. ;-)

[@brookeandalan6587]

Thanks.....yeah that was quite a bit of time off but we're rolling again! I've seen some of your vids - keep up the good work!

[@BigFrogs4x4]

Brooke and Alan thanks for watching! There will be more how to videos on the ZR2 and my other four wheel drives. I didn't realize how fun it can be making videos. If it's okay I may link some of your videos in my description in my videos.

[@Texano5-0]

Been waiting for videos from y’all

[@brookeandalan6587]

Thanks for waiting! We hope to not make everyone wait so long in the future. We had some unexpected things come up that took our attention, but we are back now and hopeful we can upload weekly again! We are having a blast making videos and have several ideas that we can't wait to film! What kid of videos would you like to see? Would love to hear your thoughts! We have several different 4 wheel drive vehicles so we hope to show some more of those to ya in the future! Thanks again for watching!

[@gen1c8rs88]

Brooke and Alan What do you think about the 285/75r17 tire size for the ZR2. Have you checked out the Chevy performance long travel suspension for the ZR2.

[@mikemissouri5152]

C7 GT1 you will need major trimming, cutting...

[@brookeandalan6587]

I looked at the 285/75r17 but Michael Justa is correct - you will need to do major trimming. If yours doesn't go off-road (that would be a shame) you may get away with it but I think if you flex much it's gonna do some fender flare carnage. I've been having issues with my rear tires hitting the fender flares hard enough to rip them off the truck during extreme flexing with the 33's. You can trim the rear flare but I haven't seen a way that would look good so I haven't trimmed mine. I am working on a different solution so I'll let y'all know if it works out.

[@cs5528]

The multimatic shocks get a lot of praise and are a really nice factory offering, but do you think they are as good as aftermarket coilovers such as icon/fox/king etc and paired with rear shock in 2.5" with remote resi's? I have a full Icon remote resi setup on my toyota and its absolutely amazing on and off road.

[@brookeandalan6587]

That is a great question. Honestly I really can't say at this time. I think we won't really know until they've been out for a few years to see how they compare and hold up. My initial impressions are really good. I'm generally not impressed with most shocks out there until you get into those more expensive ones you mentioned (and even some of those are a bit over-rated) I didn't have high expectations for the Multimatics when GM was first talking about building the ZR2, but then I drove it. The ZR2 rides better than the regular Colorado on road and is night and day better off-road. From what I can tell the Multimatics probably have the best road manners of all those high end shocks but I think it's at the expense of some off-road performance (although still really good). Long story short: I feel the Multimatics are the best "all around" shock but if you are going to really push them hard off-road my guess is the 2.5" Fox/King/Icon should out perform it but again that's just a guess. I'd like to see one of the off-road magazines put the ZR2 up against the Taco Pro for a good head-to-head evaluation.

[@lonememe]

The truck is really coming along! What's next? Also, do you guys ever make it up to Colorado to wheel? I'll keep an eye out on the trails this summer. Cheers!

[@brookeandalan6587]

Yes! We used to live in Colorado (Durango area) we go back every summer! We usually spend time in Moab and in the Mountains while we are there! Where are you? Next is probably a tire carrier for the back!

[@BigFrogs4x4]

Did you guys get your alignment done after the level kit? Was it off? In shooting the install video right now and wondering if i should we should drive it until the appointment.

[@brookeandalan6587]

BigFrogs4x4 we did align it. It was off a bit. Overtime it would have caused tire wear but would have taken a while to show up. If it were me and my alignment appointment was in the next week or so i wouldn’t have a problem driving mine.

[@BigFrogs4x4]

Brooke and Alan OK great! Thanks. I'm going to mention it in the video but wanted to make sure it didn't do something crazy. I'm really surprised how easy it is to put this lift in.

[@aahightimer]

Just bought a new 2018 zr2 live local in San Antonio. Which exhaust shop did you use . Thx for the Intel and love your videos

[@ghuron13]

Did you find a shop in SA? I'm in town looking to do the same.

[@neilcapers4426]

favorite mod is the stock exhaust you just turned down? lol what about an aftermarket exhaust?

[@willsalazar70]

Where's your shop located at need trimming for my zr2!

[@juststuBC]

Hey guys do you have any close up pictures of what you did to cover the bottom of the shocks?

[@BeardBQueETX]

Y'all's videos are so well done

[@brookeandalan6587]

Our friends at Squeaky Wheel Marketing do a great job editing our videos!

[@BeardBQueETX]

Brooke and Alan Yes they do!

[@Rodrigo-sq2bm]

😂🤣 You guys are fun! I am debating if I get the new Tacoma TRD or the Colorado ZR2 diesel? I never owned a Chevy because as a mechanic I work on them ALL the time. I am a Toyota Lexus guy. I just want to try something different but feeling iffy about the Colorado diesel but I think you guys are going to convince me to buy the new Colorado? 😂 I am going to wait to see IF Toyota finally get the power seats and rear rotors on their new 2020 Tacoma? Just subscribed to your channel 🙌

[@EcoJunkEcoJunk]

I have a 2018 Chevy Colorado zr2 any idea if 18 " wheels and 285/60/18 tire will fit without modifications ?

[@morpheusburess3124]

Badass exhaust set up

[@rickcobb8284]

I contacted Rough Country to order the front leveling kit, and they say they do not offer it for the ZR2 and they would not recommend it for this truck??? Any issues with yours?

[@brookeandalan6587]

589fab.com/collections/featured-products/products/zr2-1-leveling-package try calling 589fab. They make a kit for the Zr2. Use our code for a discount BrookeandAlan let us know how that works out!

[@rickcobb8284]

Will do. Thanks.

[@johnrice9121]

Great videos, would you know where I could get a set of wheel lock lugs for my zr2 stock wheels?

[@RB-rl7kv]

Another question, any issues with emissions or anything else by deleting the “intercooled” exhaust tip?

[@brookeandalan6587]

None so far. The truck now has about 9,000 miles on it and everything appears fine.....but we'll keep checking

[@RB-rl7kv]

One more Brooke and Alan bob cut exhaust mod complete. $100 to fab and fit the new tailpipe at Hi-Flow Custom Exhaust in Northern Virginia.

[@AscendingBliss]

Absolutely fantastic video

[@brookeandalan6587]

Thank you!

[@tosh-magosh4230]

Who is your exhaust guy, or do you have suggestions on where to go to get it modified?

[@brookeandalan6587]

You're Austin area right? Any good muffler shop should be able to make the mod but if you can't find one and you're in the area just DM me on Instagram @zr2crawlerado and I'll get you his info.

[@tosh-magosh4230]

Brooke and Alan - Thanks guys. I'm out in Hutto. I will look up someone around me and go from there.

[@rudymartinez4665]

After the 1" leveling kit and fender trim do 33" tires clear??

[@vepo2341]

Brooke and Alan Hi! Is there any possibility to get little drawing plan for the muffler modification please? I own the Bison Duramax diesel and the end of the muffler really hangs low. I would be really happy if I could follow your instruction the way you modify your muffler end. Thank you both! Love your vids!

[@coachgraham20]

I think Brooke should have to do more of the modifications - I know Alan can do it but it would show me that it was more along my level if Brooke did them (with Alan supervising of course). :):):)

[@brookeandalan6587]

Jamie I agree but I'm not sure how having those big eyelashes over the headlights would be an acceptable off-road mod!;););)

[@EricNelsonYT]

I've read about people molding their plastic with a heat gun instead of trimming it. BTW I'm texas_zr2 on Instagram. So this video helps me decide on what to do for 33s

[@brookeandalan6587]

I've heard that too but haven't tried it. If you try it let us know how it works out. I've seen your IG - keep up the cool content! Maybe we can get together and shoot a wheeling video.....

[@ajs07nightster]

Awesome video truck is lookin Great.

[@brookeandalan6587]

Thanks!

[@monsi6975]

When I first watched your guys videos I thought it was big KZbin channel, I couldn't believe you guys were just getting started, keep up the great work!

[@brookeandalan6587]

Thank you! It's been a lot of work (especially since this is just something we do on the side when we find time) I think we should have some more videos coming out pretty soon

[@deanyoung6250]

could u do a towing video im tryin to buy one of theses this month

[@elhiezenberg8393]

Just found your channel ,but what dont you upload no more???

[@daveninjaneuro7089]

nice info and video thanks!

[@BS-ev2eo]

Do you have any knocking noises when you turn the steering wheel left or right after installing the leveling kit?

[@brookeandalan6587]

No! It should be nice and quiet!

[@BS-ev2eo]

I've heard several people complain about it but obviously something wasn't tightened to specs.

[@brookeandalan6587]

that would be my guess too

[@FuhrerfaustSS]

I have the same level kit and the body lift and my truck drives just as it did stock

[@zach4321]

Did you guys forget to list the rear lower shock mount skid plates?

[@brookeandalan6587]

I think because we mentioned them in the 1st video we decided not to mention them again.....but maybe we just forgot ;)

[@brookeandalan6587]

If you are going to buy shock skids or other parts from 589Fab use coupon code: Brooke&Alan for 10% Off!

[@uscstaylor]

You didnt even talk about the zone offroad lift kit....Man !

[@kevinmason3141]

Suprized you did not do def delete, knowing how it clogs your system up.

[@NeBoFoRiOn]

im likein the truck subed

[@GIJose-mw9zy]

That’s all fine and dandy. But I want the video on how you switched your rockers into a makeshift step. My wife hates my ZR2 because she has a hard time getting in. 😂

[@Branner1968]

It looks like they might have added spacers to bring them out a tad.

[@brookeandalan6587]

That was Brooke's main complaint with the truck as well. Will try to get that video out in the next few weeks! Thanks for watching!

[@vinnier6]

Brooke and Alan also waiting

[@skier99100]

Hey I love the videos I recently destroyed my stock exhaust tip, if you didn’t throw yours away would you be willing to send it to me? I will pay of course. I can’t seem to find where To buy another stock diesel Colorado exhaust tip. Thanks!

[@beastmodeoffroad833]

You can body lift a diesel just takes a little modification

[@brookeandalan6587]

Yes! But we are not ready to void our warranty. A bit too much modification for our liking, we will just wait for the aftermarket suspension lift! Thanks for watching!! And commenting!

[@justinhardt1]

My experience with my 1.5" zone lift on my diesel was CAKE. No clearance issues on the hoses, intercooler, turbo.. I have an S&B intake and it worked just fine. I had to re-tighten the hose onto the turbo. That's it. The fan shroud doesn't rub, everything is lined up properly, no hoses rubbing on steering components. Like I said, my experience was CAKE.

[@brookeandalan6587]

Awesome to hear it's that easy. Do you think the aftermarket intake eased installation or would factory intake be easy too? I actually thought fan shroud would be toughest part but glad to hear it clears. Still going to wait to see what comes out for suspension lift - really want added ground clearance under the center of the truck.

[@brookeandalan6587]

Actually it's too much mod for too little gain for me. I'm waiting to see what suspension lifts come out. I really want the added ground clearance under the frame and with the body lift you only increase because of tire size.

[@beastmodeoffroad833]

I actually lowered my radiator mounts on the body to keep it aligned with the engine shroud

[@sp192x]

more please........

[@jeep6242]

Really like your videos. Perhaps maybe a suggestion for some different less guitar solo-y music. I feel this kind of music is what every truck and cable car show uses and your content and background is so much better it kind-of sells your videos a little short. Very similar to you in that I like anything good off road and that has pushed me to Toyotas Jeeps and other things with capability more than any particular brand allegiance. I agree these trucks ride great, even more with the ZR-2. Historically GM's are just so awful off road and that has been such a low priority from GM that this is a pretty good start. But the premium off road package only coming with 31" tires, the exhaust, shock mounts etc really shows how bad the base model is thought out for offroad. Curious to see how the diesel behaves for you.

[@brookeandalan6587]

Thanks for the feedback, we will definitely take that into consideration. Yes GM hit the nail on the head in so many ways and then totally missed the mark in others! Overall it is an amazing package that in stock form will go anywhere most people will ever consider driving it. It also, as you mentioned, rides nicer on the highway - I wasn't expecting the off-road performance AND the better ride. However if you're into some more hard core stuff (like serious rock-crawling) they leave a bit to be desired. Although with a good spotter, this thing goes places I didn't think it would go (and it usually makes it look effortless). I think once the aftermarket catches up, they will address some of those things GM missed. It really was a great 1st effort for a company that has tried to avoid building a truly off-road worthy rig for so long.

[@DdDten]

Damnit allen

[@jonathanelswood216]

But when are you going to put a tune on it and unleash the beast 😈

[@brookeandalan6587]

Jonathan Elswood waiting for the warranty to expire first!

[@mrk1075]

It would just be a lot easier to leave the truck stock.

[@stevebecwar9286]

Nice video, but please more Brooke less Alan.

[@brookeandalan6587]

I'm with ya but I can't get her to turn any wrenches.....

[@brookeandalan6587]

Haha! I did turn some wrenches, but that part of the video didn’t make the cut! Alan was bossing me around the whole time and I was telling him to “shut it!” So we cut that out! 😂

[@jlopes68]

that happens to us too. love you guys, keep em coming!

[@Shakerhood69]

Agreed!

[@benjamincook9963]

Stopped watching after I heard spacer lift and rough country for an offroad truck..

[@rudedogii]

I run Rough Country with no issues.

[@corpsman247]

I lost all respect when you went with a spacer lift on that truck....

[@brookeandalan6587]

Have you had a bad experience with a spacer lift? It's not my favorite lift option but there are no other suspension lift options currently available and when installed correctly they are a safe and inexpensive way to get it done. What lift do you suggest? Please don't say body lift because it's about 12 spacers....