2500HD ZR2 500 Mile Review

[Xfactor]

The ZR2 suspension is one of the best or best suspensions I've ridden in both the 2500HD and 1500. Once you get above 6k lbs the 1500 sags quite a bit, but bags or springs will help that. The 2500HD will tow 8k without breaking a sweat and you won't need bags until after 10k lbs.

I give the 2500HD very high marks for towing capability and comfort, plus it looks good doing it. I think you would really like it.

@securityguy had a 1500 ZR2 and recently bought a really nice 2500HD, so he can tell you what the suspension is like on that rig. I would say if you have a standard 2500HD (High Country or LTZ plus) with the magnetic ride suspension, it will ride really good. But a Z71 with Rancho shocks isn't going to be nearly as nice.

Another comparison I'll make is that I just spent a couple weeks driving a 24 Ram 2500HD Laramie with coil over suspension on all corners and it rode really well too, also towed well. But I still liked the 2500HD ZR2 just a little better.

Get on GMs website and you can search dealer inventory and you should be able to find a truck you like and make a deal. Let us know what you decide. Good luck!

Thanks Axe - really appreciate your insights!

I like a lot of aspects of Ram trucks, but I find the seat/steering wheel ergonomics in the Chevy to be perfect for me, so I think that's what my next truck will be. Glad to hear the HD ZR2 ride is better even than an HD Ram on rear coils.

I had a feeling the Ranchos in the Z71 would be a step down in comfort... thanks for confirming. The sales guy at my local Chevy dealer told me that among their HD trucks, the Z71 rides the best on the road, ZR2 is the worst, and all other trims in between. (We talked for a long time about suspension options, but he never once mentioned a magnetic ride suspension option on the High Country and LTZ Plus.) I really don't pay much attention to what most sales guys say though, which is why I wanted to research this on the forums.

I wonder how the magnetic ride suspension on, say, an LTZ Plus would compare to the ZR2 in terms of on-road comfort without a heavy load.

 

[AXE]

Thanks Axe - really appreciate your insights!

I like a lot of aspects of Ram trucks, but I find the seat/steering wheel ergonomics in the Chevy to be perfect for me, so I think that's what my next truck will be. Glad to hear the HD ZR2 ride is better even than an HD Ram on rear coils.

I had a feeling the Ranchos in the Z71 would be a step down in comfort... thanks for confirming. The sales guy at my local Chevy dealer told me that among their HD trucks, the Z71 rides the best on the road, ZR2 is the worst, and all other trims in between. (We talked for a long time about suspension options, but he never once mentioned a magnetic ride suspension option on the High Country and LTZ Plus.) I really don't pay much attention to what most sales guys say though, which is why I wanted to research this on the forums.

I wonder how the magnetic ride suspension on, say, an LTZ Plus would compare to the ZR2 in terms of on-road comfort without a heavy load.

My wife's Tahoe has magnetic ride, so did her old one. It rides incredibly well.

The one drawback on these suspension systems is replacement shocks are spendy and they do wear out like every other shock.

I met a guy a few weeks ago. He bought this Trail Boss 2500HD and put Fox 2.5 shocks on it. Said it's night and day different than the Ranchos it came with. It's another option to consider, but it makes it expensive too.

 

[Xfactor]

My wife's Tahoe has magnetic ride, so did her old one. It rides incredibly well.

The one drawback on these suspension systems is replacement shocks are spendy and they do wear out like every other shock.

I met a guy a few weeks ago. He bought this Trail Boss 2500HD and put Fox 2.5 shocks on it. Said it's night and day different than the Ranchos it came with. It's another option to consider, but it makes it expensive too.

Interesting.... Yeah I'll try to find another dealer with an LTZ Plus and a ZR2 in stock that I can drive back to back to compare. I have a feeling I'll like the ZR2 better though.

Speaking of Fox shocks, I've spent a small fortune on my Jeep (including remote reservoir, 2-way adjustable 2.5" Fox shocks), and I'd rather leave this HD truck mostly stock (for a change!)

On another note, did you ever tow with your wife's Tahoe?

 

[AXE]

Interesting.... Yeah I'll try to find another dealer with an LTZ Plus and a ZR2 in stock that I can drive back to back to compare. I have a feeling I'll like the ZR2 better though.

Speaking of Fox shocks, I've spent a small fortune on my Jeep (including remote reservoir, 2-way adjustable 2.5" Fox shocks), and I'd rather leave this HD truck mostly stock (for a change!)

On another note, did you ever tow with your wife's Tahoe?

I've towed my boat that's probably 5.5k and it tows great. That is a High Country model and it has magnetic ride, plus the rear has auto air so it will level with additional weight. It's a great setup. If I didn't haul stuff in the bed, I'd have a Tahoe.

 

[AXE]

I think I gave you bad information on the 2500HD shocks. I don't think the 2500 trucks come with magnaride or active ride suspension. It's only in the 1500 high country and ultimate trucks. Not sure why I thought they did.

If you don't go ZR2, you're gonna need to replace the shocks and possibly torsion bars/leaf springs to get a smoother ride. Shocks could be Bilstein 4600 (no lift) or 5100 (lift), Fox 2.0 or Fox 2.5. Cognito sells lighter torsion bars and I think there are other less expensive options.

They still ride pretty well with independent front suspension. It just won't be plush.

 

[Xfactor]

I think I gave you bad information on the 2500HD shocks. I don't think the 2500 trucks come with magnaride or active ride suspension. It's only in the 1500 high country and ultimate trucks. Not sure why I thought they did.

If you don't go ZR2, you're gonna need to replace the shocks and possibly torsion bars/leaf springs to get a smoother ride. Shocks could be Bilstein 4600 (no lift) or 5100 (lift), Fox 2.0 or Fox 2.5. Cognito sells lighter torsion bars and I think there are other less expensive options.

They still ride pretty well with independent front suspension. It just won't be plush.

Ok, thanks for the correction! HD ZR2 sounds like the way