If you want the auto rear locker, and decide on an LT, just make sure it has the locker, not all the LTs have the locker option on them, but all the Z71’s do.
2018 Chevy Colorado Z71
- Thread starter great08
- Start date
Member III
I can't blame you on wanting the diesel! The only thing I can recommend is that if you get the LT be sure to get the factory towing package. It will come with the Eaton auto-locking diff and additional transmission cooling.
Otherwise... the aftermarket will set you up pretty good either way. I do like the lumbar support and other small items the Z71 trim came with on my 18'. For instance the shocks are allegedly Rancho (IDK because they are black) Nitro shocks... which will be more resistant to overheating than hydro shocks.
Member III
And... I should have read your post Before I made the reply a second ago. lol
OverLamb24
Rank V
Advocate III
Haha definitely want the locker just in case. As I look at the options the more it seems evident that the Z71 is the way to go. After all the options it is almost a wash it seems in cost and may be easier to find a Z71 than an LT with all the right packages. I prefer less chrome too. After that its a question of what skids and other additions. I may just add them over time to ensure i get quality. Also torn on a cap or not since it will be a DD. Im in the city somewhat so security is a concern and for the waterproofness over long road trips. We travel to central florida and Tennessee often. I would like a cap but that is an investment and the weight limits are sometimes low. So many things to consider.
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I wouldn’t worry about weight limits if you are just adding a cap. And if you get skids there are a lot of aftermarket options, I just picked up the ones from 589fab a few weeks ago, got two used for $100 total and the others off their site. Just went out this week and they have some nice dings in them so they are smart purchases.
Just don’t make the same mistake as me and get the crew cab long box. It’s too long and I noticed the extra foot on the trail this weekend.
Member III
For bed covers.... on trucks past I have had...
Backflip... Leaks
Leer Fiberglass topper... good
and now the Diamondback... dry as a bone.
The toughest one I would say is def the diamondback. It seems of very great quality and will last a very long time. It was pretty darn light and adaptable as well.
Member III
Bluedriver…. an OBDII scanner that will read and clear everything
This device is set up to either be permanently plugged in without draining the battery or... not. It will read all codes for the engine, transmission, ABS system, airbags, etc. It will perform an emissions test for you before your annual vehicle inspection. It will clear codes. It will even tell you what conditions caused codes to be thrown. It will also enable you to pull up different sensors to see how they are behaving in real time for troubleshooting. You can scan your vehicles VIN number and see all mfr recalls for it as well as read up on all TSB for your particular vehicle!
The app for your iOS or Android device is free... and No monthly fees. Free software updates many times per year as well.
My favorite part is that it is so dang tiny! Which is important when on the road.
The price for all of this usefulness is only $99 and provides more function than tools many times the price. Anyone with some experience with it please chime in!
Link to Amazon...
Links to some of my favorite YouTube channels talking about it...
This device is set up to either be permanently plugged in without draining the battery or... not. It will read all codes for the engine, transmission, ABS system, airbags, etc. It will perform an emissions test for you before your annual vehicle inspection. It will clear codes. It will even tell you what conditions caused codes to be thrown. It will also enable you to pull up different sensors to see how they are behaving in real time for troubleshooting. You can scan your vehicles VIN number and see all mfr recalls for it as well as read up on all TSB for your particular vehicle!
The app for your iOS or Android device is free... and No monthly fees. Free software updates many times per year as well.
My favorite part is that it is so dang tiny! Which is important when on the road.
The price for all of this usefulness is only $99 and provides more function than tools many times the price. Anyone with some experience with it please chime in!
Link to Amazon...
Links to some of my favorite YouTube channels talking about it...
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Pathfinder I
Member III
I will read up on that one as well then before making the purchase. What are you able to read with it? Thanks!
Pathfinder I
Pretty much whatever you want. There are "PIDS" for specfic models of vehicle so you can read specfic functions so there can be a little extra work involved but nothing difficult. They have a free version you can try but you'll still need a bluetooth adapter. The generic one most of us use is labeled "ELM 327"
Like this but double check as I just pulled up a random item.
Boostpowered
Rank VI
Member III
Any of yall have the midwest overland industries hidden winch bumper skid plate? Do you like it? Was it worth the $800
Pathfinder I
I have the DV8 Offroad version. I like the looks of it more and it is less expensive.
2015-20 GMC Canyon Center Mount Front Bumper
The FBGC-01 is a center mount front bumper for the 2015+ GMC Canyon. This bumper mounts directly to the frame rails and installs in place of the factory plastic skid plate (No cutting required). It can accommodate up to a 12,000 lbs winch and helps to protect the front end of the truck.
dv8offroad.com
Note, V6 trucks equipped with active grill shutters will need to trim the lower shutters to get a winch to fit. This applies to the MOI bumper as well.
Boostpowered
Rank VI
Member III
I dont think the dv8 one would fit my colorado z71 plus evertime ive looked they are out of stock, no worry about shutters i have the duramax. I dont like how they made the skid part on dv8 either it looks like it would get hung up faster than my stock skid and there are no recovery points on dv8. Not sure about it being cheaper the midwest overland industries has shipping included in price.I have the DV8 Offroad version. I like the looks of it more and it is less expensive.
2015-20 GMC Canyon Center Mount Front Bumper
The FBGC-01 is a center mount front bumper for the 2015+ GMC Canyon. This bumper mounts directly to the frame rails and installs in place of the factory plastic skid plate (No cutting required). It can accommodate up to a 12,000 lbs winch and helps to protect the front end of the truck.
Note, V6 trucks equipped with active grill shutters will need to trim the lower shutters to get a winch to fit. This applies to the MOI bumper as well.
Pathfinder I
Ohh opps. Forgot you have a Colorado. :)
The skid will fit flush on a truck without a body lift. Mine has a gap because of the lift and I haven't gotten around to bending the top of the skid to make it touch the bumper.
Boostpowered
Rank VI
Member III
Good to know but my lift is suspenion only 3inch front and rear. I shouldnt have any gaps if theyuse the right dimensions. I think ive convinced my wife we need it but i still havent convinced myself. Right now i have a drawtite front reciever and winch cradle but i would like to get my front clearance back and keep the 13k winch. Im between this and a full bumper with winch mount but i dont like the full bumpers styling or weight and moi center is looking to fit the bill
OverLamb24
Rank V
Advocate III
Boostpowered
Rank VI
Member III
By too small what do you mean? Im 6'2" and am comfortable even in the back seat. Or do you mean hauling capacity, my z71 duramax 4x4 is rated to tow 7700lbs but it will do more if not going highway speed. Or is it the bed thats too small? Go test drive a new ford ranger youll think the colorado is a fullsize.
Pathfinder I
My wife and 13yr old decided they don't want to do long trips in my truck anymore. It's not comfortable for them and they feel it's too cramped, especially the back seat. She's considering trading in her '17 CRV for a 4Runner now. It's a win for me. Truck and 4Runner. Woot!
Member III
Yes. Get what best suits your needs. Test drive and look around and take your time. Buy once cry once. I even always sit on it for a while once I find what I want before purchasing. I am talking 6 months. If I still want it at that point I make the leap. It has saved me some serious money!
Is the Colorado just too small for you or is your family larger than 4?
Member III
My wife wants to get a 4Runner some day as well. She loves her Escape at the moment since it was paid for many years ago and is still reliable. I may just give it an overhaul to keep it going and give it to my little girl when she turns 16 in 8yrs.
My son is NOT getting my truck in 10 yrs so he is SOL. Lol
