2017-2022 2nd Generation Colorado ZR2 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, 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
SPRINGS
Springs create lift because they are longer than the OEM spring which adds preload to the system. This is recommended for someone who is on a budget but does not want to do a spacer. We recommend this as the best all round budget option.
Pros:
- Still Cost Effective
- Easy Plug and play install, just swap for OEM spring
- Increases bump travel from static height (overall travel remains same)
- Does not push the shock down, full droop is not changed from OEM
Cons:
- Reduces droop travel from static height (overall travel remains same)
- Non-Adjustable
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/eibach-pro-truck-leveling-spring-17-colorado-zr2
COILOVER CONVERSION
This option converts the shock to a threaded coilover and creates lift by using an aftermarket spring in various rates to add preload to the system. This is the best option for all round adjustability and tuning for those who want to keep the DSSVs.
Pros:
- Adjustable to any height between 0-2.0” of lift
- Can select the correct spring rate for your truck and build
- Keeps shock compression and droop travel the same as OEM
Cons:
- Reduces droop travel from static height (overall travel remains same)
https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/level-up-suspension-coilover-conversion
REPLACEMENT COILOVER KITS
This option completely replaces the OEM shock with new shocks. These kits are available from King or Radflo. This is a great option for those who may have leaky DSSVs or just want to replace the whole system.
Pros:
- Adjustable to any height between 0-2.0” of lift
- Can select the correct spring rate for your truck and build
- Extended travel options allow more droop
- Shocks are serviceable and rebuildable
- Improved performance offroad
Cons:
- Cost
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 1.5" 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 or Radflos.
When do I need a differential drop and why?
- A diff. drop is recommended for any truck lifted over 1.5". 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 ZR2s. 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 ZR2 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-zr2-endlinks-17-zr2
If you read all the way through this we're impressed!
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