ZR2 suspension

[4x4chevymanS10]

I want to put a ZR2 suspension on my 2001 S10 4wd. anything special I need to do other than buy the parts?

[ZL1power69]

You can not just put on a ZR2 suspension. The ZR2 has a completely different frame thats stronger and includes different mounting locations for the lower control arms, rear leaf springs, etc. There are many differences between the std 4x4 and a ZR2. You can put a body lift, wheel spacers and aftermarket fender flares on your truck to get a similar affect but its just not the same .

[4x4chevymanS10]

alright well thanks. now i just sound kind of dumb. what are some good shocks/absorbers/ leaf springs to buy that would lift it up a little and make it ride nice off road?

[ZL1power69]

Bilsteins are probably the best shocks, ZR2s come with them. Cheapest options to lift your truck would be a 2in body lift, lift shackles and add-a-leafs for the rear springs, and a slight t-bar crank in the front (no more than 1in). That should allow you to clear 32in tires (possibly with some trimming). After that you will start getting into 2in, 5in, and 6in suspension lifts which cost over $1,000.

[4x4chevymanS10]

So when you say cheapest how cheap are you talkin?

[duke350]

A body lift is usually about $100 or so, can catch em on ebay for $20-$30 sometimes. If you want to make your own, lots of guys choose to use hockey pucks. Just get new bolts 1", 2" or 3" longer then stock, depending on how many hockey pucks you use.

[ZL1power69]

Originally Posted by 4x4chevymanS10

So when you say cheapest how cheap are you talkin?

PA 2in body lift is about $100-150, Knaffle lift shackles like I have (strongest shackles for these trucks) are $70, add-a-leafs are $60, and adjusting the t-bars is free.

[4x4chevymanS10]

If I did the add a lift deL how much would it raise the truck?
And how hard is a body lift to put on?

[b1lk1]

Same frame on standard and ZR2 trucks, but the front suspension mounting points are completely different. There is no way to convert a normal truck to a ZR2 without cutting the front half of the frame off and welding in the ZR2 section. The only difference in the rear is a wider rear end housing and larger leaf spring mounting bradckets.

Any lift for these trucks over 2" is gonna be big bucks and any 2-3" lift is gonna involve cranking the bars. I am planning on using ZR2 bars in my truck with the redesigned upper control arms that will allow a 3" lift with relatively good results. Any more than 2" of lift with the stock IFS front end by cranking hte bars will kill CV axles and ball joints fast. When I cranked mine I instantly wrecked on CV shaft and 2 ball joints inside a week. Sure they were on their way out anyways, but it is a major headache to lift these trucks. Body lifts are the best way to fit big tires for cheap money.

[4x4chevymanS10]

Is a body lift pretty easy to do yourself? any special tools i would need?

[ZL1power69]

Originally Posted by 4x4chevymanS10

Is a body lift pretty easy to do yourself? any special tools i would need?

Its not hard just time consuming. The bed lift is the easiest part, you just need a couple people to lift the bed. The cab will be the hardest part. You might need to fab up a relocation bracket for the e-brake cable. The kit should come with the relocation brackets for the bumpers and an extension for your fuel filler neck.