A Zenith ZR2: The Peak Suspension 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

In the world of off-road vehicles some stand out above the rest, not just for their aesthetics but for their engineering. Nick Psomas, owner of Peak Suspension, has crafted one such gem: the featured 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. “We wanted to build something that can go anywhere and do anything,” says Psomas.

Psomas hails from Riverside, California, and has dedicated himself to pushing the limits of what’s possible in the world of overlanding and off-road adventures. He and his team set out to transform the brand-new, dealer stock Colorado ZR2 into a pinnacle of off-road superiority.

“We originally built this vehicle as the ultimate recovery truck,” he says. “And we want people to take the ZR2 seriously as a competitor in the mid-size market.” He goes on to add, tongue in cheek: “We would also like to let everyone know that it’s better than a Tacoma in every conceivable way.”

The Vision
As noted, the journey of creating the Peak Suspension Colorado ZR2 began with the desire to build the ultimate recovery truck that could conquer any terrain and handle any situation.

The initial phase of this project was marked by a collaboration with Adventure Offroad in Huntington Beach, aimed at a quick and comprehensive build to unveil at the Overland Adventure Festivus’s October Festivus in 2020.

“The first version of this build was designed with a full on-board air system, full tool kit, full recovery kit, winch, traction boards and a series of important survival tools to be prepared for anything,” Psomas explains. “It was the first year for the new color, Sand Dune Metallic, so we wanted to be one of the first with that truck and color.”

Under the Hood
Underneath the Sand Dune Metallic exterior lies a beastly powertrain. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is paired with a Lingenfelter supercharger kit that produces north of 400 horsepower.

This kit includes an Edelbrock blower with Lingenfelter’s added cooling system to ensure that the engine stays cool even under the most demanding off-road conditions.

To synchronize this powerhouse, Trifecta was enlisted to develop the first tune for a 2021 Colorado to enable seamless integration and maximum performance. 

The transmission remains the stock GM eight-speed and is a testament to the Colorado ZR2’s remarkable off-road capability. However, the differentials received a significant upgrade with the installation of 4.56 gearing from Nitro Gears, providing enhanced control and traction in challenging terrains.

Suspension, Front & Rear
The ZR2’s front suspension underwent a transformation with the installation of the DSSV coilover conversion kit featuring a 600-pound spring rate.

This conversion not only added support for additional weight but also provided the precise ride height required for off-road excellence.

Later in the project, Peak Suspension partnered with Radflo to develop the first set of 2.5-inch Radflo coilovers specifically designed for the Colorado ZR2, further enhancing its suspension capabilities.

The rear suspension is equipped with the Deaver Expedition leaf pack, accompanied by a 1-inch Peak billet rear block. This setup offers robust support for the weight from the bumper and bed rack while delivering the flexibility and control of a progressive leaf pack.

Additionally, Radflo 2.5-inch rear shocks provide the necessary damping for smooth off-road performance.

Exterior: Beyond Aesthetics
The exterior modifications on this Colorado ZR2 go beyond mere aesthetics, as each element is rooted in functionality, practicality and performance.

Lights—the truck is adorned with a plethora of Baja Designs lighting, including an XL Linkable light bar on the roof, XL80s mounted on the front bumper, Squadron SAE lights in the bumper for foggy conditions, Squadron Pro lights mounted on CBI ditch brackets, S2 Pro lights angled on ditch brackets, and an S2 Pro amber chase light on the bed rack. Two S2 flood lights in the rear bumper ensure safe nighttime backup.

Bumpers and armor—the truck features a Relentless Fabrication Evolution front bumper and rear swingout bumper. To further protect the vehicle’s vital components, the ZR2 boasts an AEV full skid plate package, including protection for the front end, transfer case, transmission, fuel tank and rear differential.

Wheels and tires—the Peak Suspension ZR2 sits on custom-painted AEV Crestone DualSport beadlock wheels with black powdercoated beadlock rings. All four wheels measure 17x8.5 inches with a +25 offset, and they are wrapped with Falken Wildpeak MT tires, each measuring 35x12.5.

Necessary gear—to facilitate a successful trip to the backcountry, a bevy of needed gear was added to ensure the truck’s abilities outweigh its challenges. An AEV recovery kit, Rotopax containers, ProEagle two-ton jack, a Warn VR10S winch, and a Peak air system and twin ARB compressors are available at a moment’s notice. The Roofnest Condor Rooftop tent and seven-gallon WaterPORT system provide living accommodations on the trail.

Functional Interior
The cabin has received its fair share of thoughtful modifications. The 4x4 sPod Bantam X lighting controller ensures that the truck’s extensive lighting setup can be controlled with ease. A custom switch panel houses the sPod touchscreen, providing convenient access to lighting controls.

For reliable communications in remote areas, the truck is equipped with a Midland US MXT575 GMRS radio complete with a ghost antenna. The interior features a Goose Gear rear platform (40 side) for a Dometic fridge, ensuring that essential supplies are always within reach.

Rigorous Testing Grounds
Since the build, this ZR2 has been put through its paces and clocked an impressive 40,000 miles in just two years. It has ventured to destinations far and wide, participating in numerous off-road excursions and shows across the country.

“We love going to Moab, because it’s the off-road Mecca,” Psomas says. “So much to do and see. We also really love to go to Crown King, Arizona. The Backway to Crown King is one of our all-time favorite trails.”

This extensive testing and real-world experience have helped fine-tune the truck’s performance and reliability. When asked what he would do differently, Psomas answers quickly: “Nothing at all; we love how it turned out.”

Image Gallery

Looking to the Future
Nick Psomas and Peak Suspension have shown us that the journey is just as important as the destination. With their dedication to off-roading and their unwavering commitment to quality builds, they’ve set a standard that’s hard to beat.

The Peak Suspension Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a testament to the passion, dedication, and the expertise of Nick Psomas and his team. This off-road masterpiece is not merely a vehicle; it’s a statement that pushes the boundaries of what a mid-size truck can achieve in the off-road realm.

Nick Psomas	Peak Suspension 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Base Vehicle	2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Engine	Chevrolet 3.6L V6, Lingenfelter supercharger kit, Trifecta tuning, Magnaflow cat-back exhaust
Differentials	Nitro Gear 4.56 gearing
Suspension	Front—Peak Suspension DSSV coilover conversion kit with 600-lb spring rate, 2.5” Radflo coilovers / Rear—Deaver Expedition leaf pack with Peak Suspension 1” billet rear block, Radflo 2.5” rear shocks
Wheels & Tires	AEV Crestone DualSport beadlocks, paint-matched, powdercoated black beadlock ring (17x8.5 at +25 offset); Falken Tire Wildpeak MT (35x12.5R17)
Armor & Racks	Prinsu roof rack, Prinsu Summit grab handles, Prinsu utility hook, Relentless Fabrication Evolution front bumper, Relentless Fabrication rear swingout bumper, Relentless Fabrication rear modular bed rack, AEV full skid plate package
Recovery	Warn VR Evo 10-S, Factor 55 1” Hawse fairlead, Factor 55 Ultrahook, Factor 55 rope guard, ProEagle 2-ton jack, MaxTrax boards, AEV recovery kit
Body	AEV Highmark flares, Custom bracket for the XL linkable roof bar Storage: Goose Gear rear platform
Lighting	Akkon headlights with GTR HID bulbs, Baja Designs XL linkable with custom roof rack bracket, Baja Designs XL80 (amber), Baja Designs Squadron SAE, Baja Designs Squadron Pro (amber) on CBI ditch brackets, Baja Designs S2 Pro, Baja Designs S2 Pro (amber) chase light, Baja Designs S2 floods
Electronics	sPod Bantam X lighting controller, Stech panel
Comms	Midland US MXT575 GMRS radio with ghost antenna
Upgrades & Accessories	Dometic fridge, Roofnest Condor rooftop tent, RotoPax, med kit, onboard 7-gallon WaterPORT, custom Peak air system mounted twin ARB compressors, hose routed to the rear bumper, custom winch control box relocation

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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 06. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.