Chevy Colorado/Technical ability

[MOAK]

Hi all, specifically Chevy Colorado owners. My brother-in-law is in the process of delving into this hobby head first, and as such, went out and bought the Colorado 4x4 diesel double cab. On my advise he has since added heavy duty sliders from I believe Rocky Road, and this week is leveling up the front end to get rid of the nose dive. ( whew, anything to add a bit of mpg eh?). 2 years ago my son-in-law traversed Elephant Hill in his bone stock, except sliders, 4Runner. This fall my BIL is heading west with us. Is the Colorado capable of traversing Elephant Hill, then down thru SOB Hill, then exit the park down through Beef Basin, etc. I must admit I’m a bit of a skeptic with this vehicles technical ability. Any and all thoughts will be appreciated so that I can arrange our tour accordingly.. thanks

 

[Happy Buddha]

While I cannot speak to Elephant Hill or SOB Hill, I have not found my ZR2 lacking in my exploration around WA and OR. I love both its on road and off road capability. Its size allows it to go pretty much anywhere and I haven't needed front locker support to be keep exploring. That tells me that I have more capability in the wings.

 

[Louiston]

I would agree that a person would want to have a properly equipped truck for a given venture.

With that said, more often than not ................. it's ALL about the person behind the wheel.

 

[MOAK]

I would agree that a person would want to have a properly equipped truck for a given venture.

With that said, more often than not ................. it's ALL about the person behind the wheel.

Oh, absolutely, many of us could get a stock 2WD through a lot of areas that over built trucks somehow have a difficult time managing.. that said, all things being equal, — even you or I couldn’t get an unlocked 2WD through technical terrain

 

[VI Overlander]

I had a 1st gen when they first came out. 3” BL and 2” suspension . It went everywhere. If they have improved on the design im sure with a good hand on the wheel it’s capable of more than you expect

 

[slomatt]

MOAK, does his Colorado have the Z71 or ZR2 package, or is it a base model? What kind of tires are on it?

I ran Elephant hill many years ago and don't remember any highly technical spots, just a really narrow section that required some care to not scrape the sides. Coincidentally, my friend in a 96 Pathfinder sheared the splines off a front axle shaft at the beginning of the trail and had to run the rest of it in 2wd. :)

 

[MOAK]

MOAK, does his Colorado have the Z71 or ZR2 package, or is it a base model? What kind of tires are on it?

I ran Elephant hill many years ago and don't remember any highly technical spots, just a really narrow section that required some care to not scrape the sides. Coincidentally, my friend in a 96 Pathfinder sheared the splines off a front axle shaft at the beginning of the trail and had to run the rest of it in 2wd. :)

He has the Z71 package with the duramax engine with Goodyear ATs ( Kevlar sidewall)

 

[diabetiktaco]

A buddy of mine has a Z71 which is leveled and has the front air damn removed. It did pretty well when I was out with him in December. Although he did high center and get stuck.

 

[reaver]

I had a 1st gen when they first came out. 3” BL and 2” suspension . It went everywhere. If they have improved on the design im sure with a good hand on the wheel it’s capable of more than you expect
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I actually have a first gen as well. I too went all over the place in that thing. It certainly has it's weak point (front dif seals and abs sensors being the biggest pita for me), but man, that thing took some abuse. I can imagine the 2nd gen colorados are at least as capable as the first gens. I'd just get some good skid plates to protect the important bits underneath, and call it a day.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Z71 benfits from a lift, better tires, skidz, rear shock relocation or protection. I has open diff's unless G80 equipped, Just depends on what you want to do and go. The ZR2 is taller, wider, with a pair of lockers, sliders, partial skids. Lower rear shock mounts can be a issue depending on terrain, it can be fixed.

 

[RJCanyon]

The Colorado/Canyon is a great platform, very capable. My Canyon hasnt let me down.

@JCWages can speak on the platforms durability as well

You guys made a great choice!!

 

[RJCanyon]

Armor, armor and more armor is your friend, they are relatively "low clearance" from factory, shock skids would be a great idea as the rear shock mounts are the lowest point

 

[MOAK]

The Colorado/Canyon is a great platform, very capable. My Canyon hasnt let me down.

@JCWages can speak on the platforms durability as well

You guys made a great choice!!

It was his choice not mine, personally I’d never buy new. Mine vehicle is a 96 and reliable beyond compare. However, I’ve asked about a very specific route/trail. So far no one knows.

 

[MOAK]

Ok, verdict is on- the Z71 did amazingly well on various trails all over the San Rafael Swell. I was impressed with the traction control and the drivers newfound abilities. However, it sat way too low to even think about traversing some of the really knarly stuff, including Elephant Hill, which isn’t all that tough to complete. My BIL is now in the process of shopping for a suspension that will get him up 2-3”s. Any suggestions?

 

[rho]

Front UCA's and coilovers should get you 2-3" with a major increase in performance. UCA's will allow more wheel travel and to make better use of the fancy pants coilovers when he upgrades.

 

[MOAK]

Front UCA's and coilovers should get you 2-3" with a major increase in performance. UCA's will allow more wheel travel and to make better use of the fancy pants coilovers when he upgrades.

UCAs? That’s a different language than us solid axle guys are accustomed to.. what are quality mid priced kits? I saw an icon kit for 2400 bucks.. ouch.

 

[rho]

UCAs? That’s a different language than us solid axle guys are accustomed to.. what are quality mid priced kits? I saw an icon kit for 2400 bucks.. ouch.

Yeah.... IFS isn't cheap to lift or increase suspension performance on. The upper control arms need to be replaced in general to allow more droop. Coilovers are always going to be $$$ and then all the other bits add up.

 

[mkklein #18828]

Hi, I have a 2017 z71 crew cab long bed with the diesel as well.
I installed a Peak suspension summit kit this spring and works excellent. Adjustable coils up front and upper control arms. Rear has extra leaf and shocks. Installed 31.5” tires all around. You can go up to 32 without cutting.

 

[MOAK]

Hi, I have a 2017 z71 crew cab long bed with the diesel as well.
I installed a Peak suspension summit kit this spring and works excellent. Adjustable coils up front and upper control arms. Rear has extra leaf and shocks. Installed 31.5” tires all around. You can go up to 32 without cutting.

Thanks, that’s excellent info- I’ll pass that kit onto my bil—