Detail Information: Our 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 was built with one thing in mind: function. We set out to build the ultimate overland/recovery mid size truck out there.
We ordered the 2021 ZR2 as soon as order banks were opened and started to plan out the build. The 2021 featured a new updated facelift, stamped rear tailgate, remote locking rear tailgate, and our biggest selling point– a new for 2021 color: Sand Dune Metallic.
After about 3 months, we received our 2021 in October of 2020 and we immediately went to work. Partnering with AEV, we set out to build our own version of the Bison the way we wanted to do it. The goal was to fit 35” tires, so naturally, a set of AEV Highmark Flares were in proper fashion. These enlarge the wheel openings allowing up to a 35” tire with no lift. In addition to the flares, other AEV bits include their full underbody skid plate package, rear differential cover, a snorkel, and Crestone DualSport Beadlock wheels. To commemorate our partnership with AEV and to throwback to the ZR2 original concept debuted at SEMA 2016, we color matched our wheels Sand Dune metallic with Black Beadlock.
We wouldn’t be who we are if we didn’t get right to the suspension next. We installed our DSSV Coilover Kit, which takes the existing Multimatic DSSV’s and converts them to a coilover. This allows for adjustable ride height and spring rate pairing to existing or future modifications. We also installed our ZR2 Tubular Upper Control Arms, Tie Rod Sleeves, diff drop, and skid spacers, and replaced the factory 1” block with our own. Knowing that we are supporting weight such as a roof rack, roof top tent, rear bumper with spare tire carrier and a host of gear, we knew that we had to support that weight with a Deaver Expedition Rear Leaf Pack.
Next we had to figure out protection, and for that we turned to our friends at Relentless Fabrication in Sparks, NV. They borrowed our ZR2 for about a month and designed a brand new, 3-piece modular design called the Evolution Bumper. This allows us to get the protection we needed while integrating recovery points and provisions for lighting.
We also fashioned a WARN VR10S inside the bumper with Factor55 Fairlead and Ultrahook for recovery. In the back, we are using their standard clearance rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier. In addition to the armor, we’re using their Modular Roof Rack to mount our Roofnest Falcon and accessories to.
Because our adventures tend to take us to remote places, sometimes the dead of night, we needed to design our lighting system to accommodate. Taking note of Baja Designs Lighting Zones, we covered our bases around the entire vehicle. Up top we have the Baja Designs XL Linkable mounted to a Prinsu Roof Rack. Down below, we have a set of Squadron Pro with Amber Lenses for forward dust visibility and angled S2 Pros mounted to CBI ditch light brackets. Our bumper features 3 XL80 with amber lenses for low light visibility and dust control. We also have SAE Squadron’s for fog lights and a rear facing S2 Pro Chase light.
All of these mods certainly add some weight and a stress component to this build so our plans also included a Lingenfelter Supercharger to give us the power boost we wanted. In addition to the power added, we added 4.56 gearing to assist with moving the 35×12.5 Falken Wildpeak MT. To help with clearance and a bit of aggressive sound, we added the Magnaflow Overland Series Exhaust system.
To sum it up, we couldn’t be happier with this truck. This truck has been all across the country in all types of terrain. From rock-crawling to traversing the desert, this truck is able to do it all.
For information regarding current lead times, availability, or order status please email: info@peaksuspension.com
