[BraydenFleece]

Non ZR2 to ZR2 Conversion (BUILD THREAD)

Hey guys. I'm new to this site, but a long time ZR2 fan, from way back in the days of Welcome to zr2.com.

I'm going through the process of converting my standard Colorado Diesel over to ZR2 suspension components, while keeping my BDS 5.5 DSC coilover lift.

I hate to be the poser ZR2 guy, but I already have one Colorado for development, no need for another. I'll be sure to take plenty of progress pictures during the process. So far it all appears to be pretty straightforward.

One thing I'm going to do on my BDS kit is to change to a dual rate setup, with a heavier main spring and lighter secondary. It should work well. I'm using an AGM Spring Slider to couple them, a pretty nice piece.

You may have seen my truck before.. Here it is..

 

[G2SKIER]

So you’re throwing ZR2 arms and dssv shocks on it? Maybe a rear axle too? I guess I’m a little confused as to what exactly you’re doing. I think I like it though.

I have been in contact with bds about developing a lift that works with my ZR2 dssv system since I am here in Michigan with them. They’re in the middle of SEMA crunch currently but after the show we hopefully will see some progress.


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[Thunderbear]

Well, the only ZR2 specific item I'm interested in this ZR2 iteration is the front locker, and making it work with an aftermarket switch without the BCM operating limits. I'll be following this for that addition for sure.

 

[hyperv6]

What about the frame stiffening modification? Will they also be done?

 

[G2SKIER]

What about the frame stiffening modification? Will they also be done?

Didn’t realize that was a thing?


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[hyperv6]

Didn’t realize that was a thing?


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They added to the front in key points to stiffen the frame over the stock one.

I saw a story that showed a couple places they added stiffeners but I am not sure where they all were and wondered if anyone figured it out.

 

[G2SKIER]

Huh, I’ll compare dads 16 z71 to my ZR2 and report back if I can see anything


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[BraydenFleece]

I'm looking for the increased track width and travel from the front suspension components.

I'm going to keep the Fox DSC Coilovers that I have from the BDS kit. They're much higher travel than the DSSV shocks, especially when mounted outboard further on the ZR2 LCA.

I'll also be adding the E-Lockers, front and rear and control then manually instead of through the BCM/stabilitrack, ABS logic.

 

[G2SKIER]

I'm looking for the increased track width and travel from the front suspension components.



I'm going to keep the Fox DSC Coilovers that I have from the BDS kit. They're much higher travel than the DSSV shocks, especially when mounted outboard further on the ZR2 LCA.



I'll also be adding the E-Lockers, front and rear and control then manually instead of through the BCM/stabilitrack, ABS logic.

May want to check out the shock mounting method on the lower control arms...completely different than a normal setup.


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[BraydenFleece]

What about the frame stiffening modification? Will they also be done?

I've laid the solid models of the frames over top of each other in CAD and I do not see any additional bracing/stiffening.

 

[BraydenFleece]

May want to check out the shock mounting method on the lower control arms...completely different than a normal setup.


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Yep, making parts now. Attached is the lower shock trunnion that bolts to the LCA, I'm making one to fit the Fox 2.5 DSC Coilover.

 

[G2SKIER]

Yep, making parts now. Attached is the lower shock trunnion that bolts to the LCA, I'm making one to fit the Fox 2.5 DSC Coilover.

Sweet!


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[BraydenFleece]

This is the spring setup that I planned to run until I realized the ZR2 LCA mounts the shock further outboard, which will require a longer spring. This is 16.75 OAL with a 600/400 lb dual rate setup. I ordered in a 6" 450lb spring to replace the 4" 400lb spring. The block height of each spring plus the glider is well within the shocks travel range and should make the BDS kit ride even better.

 

[G2SKIER]

I’m excited to see how this turns out


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[Thunderbear]

Interested to see if you can get the front locker as a unit or you have to get the whole diff assembly. Please post the part numbers for what you find.

Are you going to swap the rear locker as well? The standard G80 works well, the switch just eliminates the 120RPM wheelspin difference to engage, which doesn't net me enough benefit to want to switch it over.

 

[BraydenFleece]

Interested to see if you can get the front locker as a unit or you have to get the whole diff assembly. Please post the part numbers for what you find.

Are you going to swap the rear locker as well? The standard G80 works well, the switch just eliminates the 120RPM wheelspin difference to engage, which doesn't net me enough benefit to want to switch it over.

I've sent an email to the E-Locker contact at Eaton to see if there is a plan to sell these through the aftermarket channels. Otherwise I'll be swapping in the GM parts if available.

 

[Thunderbear]

A number of us have already asked Eaton, and unless you have a specific contact, the answer is a nice form letter no, and directing you to GM.

 

[BraydenFleece]

Finally assembled all the parts I think I'll need to swap over. We still have to machine the trunnions for the fox shock to mount to the ZR2 LCA, but it's all coming together.

 

[Jacqson]

A number of us have already asked Eaton, and unless you have a specific contact, the answer is a nice form letter no, and directing you to GM.

Yep, Instead of getting a form letter from Eaton I got an email telling me those lockers are GM only. Unless you have a really good contact at Eaton or you plan on some corporate espionage, it's either the dealer or maybe finding a ZR2 in the wrecking yard.

 

[Thunderbear]

For anyone else emailing Eaton:

Hello Thunderbear,
Thank you for your inquiry. The ELocker for the Colorado is an OEM product. Eaton does not offer an aftermarket ELocker for the Colorado. For further information please contact a GM dealership.

Thanks!
-Eaton Performance Support