2015-2022 2nd Generation Colorado/Canyon Lift & Level Guide
With so many options available it’s hard to know what’s right for your vehicle. If you're looking at options on how to lift a Colorado or Canyon, here’s a quick guide to different options and their pros & cons!
SPACERS
This option creates lift by adding height to the top of the shock, therefore pushing the shock down. This is recommended for someone on a budget who just wants to level their truck.
Pros:
- Cost Effective
- Easy to install
- Keeps shock compression and droop travel the same as OEM
Cons:
- Changes the full droop location of the shock
- Non-Adjustable
- Reuses OEM shocks
2.0" SHOCKS WIHOUT SPRINGS
2.0" Shocks without springs are the most cost effective way to improve your ride. These shocks will drastically change the ride of your truck on and off-road, leaving you wondering why you didn't do it sooner. They also allow you to leave the truck at stock height or provide a bit of lift to level out your stance.
Pros:
- Cost Effective way to improve suspension performance
- Easy install
- Increases travel (5100 and Pro-Truck)
Cons:
- Limited in lift height, have to reuse oem upper mount and oem spring
Bilstein 4600:
- Stock Length Option, No Lift
- Cheapest Option
- Modest valving for on-road everyday driving
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/bilstein-4600-lift-kit-15-colorado
Bilstein 5100:
- Extended Length Shocks, Increase Travel
- Front Lift +0-2.6" (2.6" max for gas, 1.9" max for diesel)
- Rear Lift +0" (0-1.5" Compatible)
- Improved valving for on and off-road driving
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/bilstein-5100-lift-kit-15-colorado
Eibach Pro Truck:
- Extended Length Shocks, Increased Travel
- Front Lift +0-2.0"
- Rear Lift +0" (0-1.5" Compatible)
- Improved valving for on and off-road driving
- ***Level Up Suspension Recommendation for no spring 2.0" Shocks
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/eibach-pro-truck-lift-system-15-colorado
2.0" SHOCKS WITH SPRINGS
2.0" Shocks with springs are the second most cost effective way to improve your ride. These shocks will drastically change the ride of your truck on and off-road, leaving you wondering why you didn't do it sooner. Adding in the springs allow you to get up to 3.0" of lift height for a great performing lift setup.
Pros:
- Adjustable to any height between 2.0-3.0” of lift
- Increases Travel
Cons:
- Reuses upper mount which requires a spring compressor for install
What about reservoir versions of the rear shocks?
- If you are an avid offroader, or tow a ton you'll definitely benefit from the reservoirs. With increased fluid capacity as well is more aggressive valving you'll be sure to notice the difference when really pushing the truck
Bilstein 5100:
- Extended Length Shocks, Increase Travel
- Front Lift +2.0-3.0"
- Rear Lift +0" (0-1.5" Compatible)
- Improved valving for on and off-road driving
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/bilstein-5100-lift-kit-15-colorado
Eibach Pro Truck:
- Extended Length Shocks, Increased Travel
- Front Lift +2.0-3.0"
- Rear Lift +0" (0-1.5" Compatible)
- Improved valving for on and off-road driving
- ***Level Up Suspension Recommendation for spring 2.0" Shocks
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/eibach-pro-truck-lift-system-15-colorado
2.0 COILOVERS
2.0" Coilovers are the best value in our opinion. They provide ample lift, and a huge bump in performance over stock. These shocks will drastically change the ride of your truck on and off-road, leaving you wondering why you didn't do it sooner.
Pros:
- Adjustable to any height between 2.0-3.0” of lift
- Fully assembled, for easy install, no spring compressor needed
- Increased travel
- Improved performance on and off-road
Cons:
- None?
What about reservoir versions of the rear shocks?
- If you are an avid offroader, or tow a ton you'll definitely benefit from the reservoirs. With increased fluid capacity as well is more aggressive valving you'll be sure to notice the difference when really pushing the truck
Fox 2.0":
- Extended Length Shocks, Increase Travel
- Front Lift +0.0-2.0"
- Rear Lift +0" (0-1.5" Compatible)
- Improved valving for on and off-road driving
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/fox-2-0-lift-kit-15-colorado
Eibach Stage 2 2.0":
- Extended Length Shocks, Increase Travel
- Front Lift +2.0-3.0"
- Rear Lift +0" (0-1.5" Compatible)
- Improved valving for on and off-road driving
- ***Level Up Suspension Recommendation for 2.0" Coilover, due to ride quality and ability to run up to 3.0" of lift
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/eibach-stage-2-pro-truck-coilover-15-colorado
2.5 COILOVERS
2.5" Coilovers provide the biggest improvement in performance off-road but right fully so cost the most . They provide ample lift, and an awesome bump in performance over stock. These shocks are the best of the best, you won't get much more performance out of your Colorado without going to long travel.
Pros:
- Adjustable to any height between 2.0-3.0” of lift
- Fully assembled, for easy install, no spring compressor needed
- Increased travel
- Improved performance on and off-road
- Full Rebuildable
Cons:
- Cost
King:
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/king-2-5-shock-kit-15-colorado
Fox:
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/fox-2-5-shock-kit-with-dsc-15-colorado
Icon:
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/icon-2-5-shock-kit-15-colorado
REAR LIFT OPTIONS
Shackle:
- Provides 1" rear lift
- Easy install
- Adds droop to the rear suspension
- Does not increase axle wrap like blocks do
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/level-up-suspension-1-rear-lift-shackle-15-22-colorado
Add-a-Leaf
- Provides ~1.5" of rear lift unloaded
- Carries payload at a higher height
- Recommended for vehicles with constant rear weight or who tow more than once a month
- Adds small amount of stiffness unloaded
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/copy-of-level-up-add-a-leaf-colorado-std-zr2
OTHER QUESTIONS
When do I need upper control arms?
- Anything above the 2.0" lift height it is recommended. You can run the stock arms no problem but installing the arms adds droop and improves the caster which helps with stability at speed when offroad. This can also help clear larger tires. Arms are also required when going to extended length Kings, Icons or Foxs.
When do I need a differential drop and why?
- A diff. drop is recommended for any truck lifted over 2.0". This is to help decrease the CV angles which are increased when lifting this high. Decreasing the angles helps to relieve stress on the joints or boots.
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/level-up-suspension-1-differential-drop-colorado-std-zr2
Do I need to do the HD boots too?
- HD Boots are recommended for all lifted Colorados. The OEM boots are fairly thin and replacing them with our boots nearly doubles the thickness for worry free operation offroad.
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/hd-cv-boots-17-zr2
When are tie rod sleeves recommended and what length do I need?
- The 2nd Gen Colorado is known for having weak tie rods. We recommend them for anyone who offroads their truck. We also recommend the shorter sleeves as it provides protection without covering the adjuster flats and leaves some room for breakage in a very extreme case.
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/level-up-suspension-tie-rod-sleeves-colorado-std-zr2
Do I need extended endlinks?
- Lifted or not, these trucks absolutely need new endlinks. The OEM design is poor and it's not if but when your endlinks will make noise. The extended length also helps with articulation offroad, especially after lifting.
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/level-up-suspension-endlinks-15-22-colorado
If you read all the way through this we're impressed!
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