2.5-3hr round trip drive to do the same thing I’ve been doing at home. Surely my productivity will climb. HAHAHAHA
Likely gonna be one of those 30% looking for something else since WFH is over. After years of surviving multiple layoffs, no pay raises, infrequent bonuses, and benefits losses due to regular downturns then getting told to RTW (losing a free benefit!) is lame. Sorry for the complaining as I know I’m fortunate to be employed and all, just frustrating. Cats for your time.
@thebarber said in The customer is always right:
Sure thing mister. I'll go ahead and throw in a set of platinum plugs in for $250 every 20k. Oh and let me get on that quote for your new $500 fuel pump replacement at 40k. You want an application too? We need more "techs".
I put up with a lot of shit from customers but this really just got to me today. You drive a 2019 Accord my dude, get with the times and let me do my job.
Don't forget to check his valve lash and valve seats because low lead gas. Then adjust his carb. Also change his alignment for his new steel belted radials that replaced his bias plies.
This is probably far too long overall, seeing how the review part is very short. It's inclusive of what other vehicles I looked at and my decision making process, with the idea of being as informative as possible. It's a bit dry, as I do a lot of technical writing for work so my personal style dies on longform. I wanted it to flow better but struggled with that as I did this in Notepad 
. Thanks for reading if you do!
I was driving a 2001 Dodge Dakota QC 4.7/auto 2WD, 235k+. At some point I needed a newer truck, and it was coming sooner rather than later. There’s what is now annual flooding in the area, so ground clearance/4wd is nice. Lockers/some sort of traction device for any mud (in-laws property), the beach and the possibility of visiting parks camping/overlanding. Decent power to weight ratio, room for 3 people, decent economy, a bed for house stuff, and towing with a possibility of a trailer in the future. Good AC, ventilated seats, not too crazy cost, garage parking (important for hurricane season) were also important considerations.
I settled on the seats (heated only), but the ZR2 fit the rest of this pretty well (mpg is meh as well). Sticker on mine (Shadow Gray, nav, Bose) was $44,990 with destination. I wasn’t planning on getting one until after the new year (purchased in Nov 2019), but the price was right and it had the color and options I wanted. I had the dealer add the GM floor liners (which are nice) and wheel locks (not that would stop anyone around Houston, but cheap peace of mind), and most important to me, the LED bed lighting, which isn’t as bright as it could be but is very useful and I like it overall. It ties into the OEM cargo light switch, which I really like as I am big on OEM parts/integration. I tried to add the Keyless Entry Pad (can be put anywhere), but they messed up the install and I’ve never gotten around to getting it taken care of (thanks COVID).
I contacted the dealer through the website. They were great - sent a couple texts, agreed on price, and date when ready to be picked up. A couple days later the wife dropped me at IAH, dealer picked me up at DFW International, fed me, tossed me the keys to do a ride and drive, I gave it a look over, handed it back for final prep, did the paperwork (all electronic actually) in the meantime, grabbed some Starbucks, and drove home. Nice and easy. I didn’t add any additional warranty things, no GAP, etc. Out the door (including TX 6.25% tax) was under $40k and the financed amount was $30k. Not bad at all for ~$45k truck. And honestly more in line with I think it’s worth versus MSRP.
The ZR2 is the best equipped off road Colorado/Canyon model, or of any GM model really. It’s available as an extended cab 6' bed or crew cab 5' only – the crew/6’ combo is not available. It's also the only way to get an extended cab diesel. It's available with both the gas 3.6L V6/8spd auto or I4 diesel 2.8L/6spd auto. It gets the standard 3.42 GM Twins gearing as well as an integrated trailer brake, and tow/haul mode for the V6 or an exhaust brake with the diesel.
The specs are all available online, but the rundown of mechanical upgrades is - 3.5" track increase with upgraded upper/lower control arms and spindles, stronger/longer CVs and tierods, a wider rear axle, 2" lift, front and rear electronic lockers, Off Road mode, aluminum front skid, crap t-case skid, cab mounted (ugh) rock rails, 17” ZR2 specific wheels with 265/65R17 Goodyear Duratracs (and full size ZR2 wheel/tire), and the DSSV shocks. The t-case is the standard 4Auto/4H/4L (2.72:1)/2H. Gear spread on the V6 (308hp/275lb-ft) and 8spd 8L45 is 6.98 (4.61:1 – 0.66:1) for a 42.88:1 crawl ratio. The diesel I4 (181hp/369lb-ft) and 6L50 is 6.06 (4.06:1 to 0.67:1) with a 37.77 crawl ratio.
ZR2 Front Suspension
4WD Controls
The Bison package can be added, which brings different logos, wheel moldings, wheels, a winch capable front bumper with fog lights, a rear bumper with bedside departure protection, full skids (trans/t-case, fuel tank, rear diff), and a lot less payload (sub 1k).
Exterior-wise the ZR2 has a specific cutout front bumper, unique grill, hood, wheel moldings, and rear bumper missing the access steps. Both bumpers are designed with higher clearance in mind, but the tow standard hitch limits departure angle. It has a tow hitch which is 7700lb rated, 4/7 trailer plugs as well as a bedliner with the ZR2 logo. The ZR2 is actually limited to 5k towing and the payload varies from ~975lbs (Bison) to 1353 (ZR2 regular cab). My crew cab is rated 1260 - no driver or passenger, so that must be taken into account. Payload on mine is a bit light but okay. Sub-1k payloads are not okay IMO.
Inside it has remote start, a heated steering wheel and leather seats (8 way driver, 4 passenger) with ZR2 embroidered headrests, integrated brake controller, a phone charging pad, heated mirrors, and rear manual sliding window with defogger. There are multiple of options for adding black wheels, a light bar, etc., but the only real options are the Bose stereo and nav.
There are a number of minor year to year changes that may be important to a buyer (both ZR2 and standard twins are affected by this). Aside from colors and the 2021 fascia change, some ZR2 specific (or not) changes are listed below:
Used:
2009-12 Colorado/Canyon/Hummer Crew 4x4 5.3 Z71/All Terrain/H3T Adventure
2000-04, 08-11 Dakota QuadCab 4x4/TRX
Any Fullsize. $25k+ for over 100k in Crew 4x4 form, less than 10 years old. NOPE!
New:
Colorado/Canyon Z71/Trail Runner/All Terrain V6 and Diesel (also ZR2)
Chevy/GMC Fullsize Twins Trail Boss/SLT/AT4 3.0L/6.2L
Dodge Ram 1500 Rebel Crew 4x4 Hemi/Ecodiesel (wasn't quite out yet)
Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon
Ford F-250 Tremor:
Ford Ranger FX4
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 3.6 (Ecodiesel not out yet, neither was the Mohave)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Hemi
Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Crew 3.5/auto
As mentioned, mine is a 2019 Shadow Gray Crew Cab with Bose and nav. COVID jacked up some of my plans, such as upgrading the breathers for one – not going into the dealer to chat and no one wants to spend time with me figuring out part numbers over the phone. Otherwise, all I’ve done is detail it and tint. For the tint, it has Llumar FormulaOne Pinnacle ceramic at 30% all around and Llumar Air 80% clear on the windshield. I really like the tint, especially the windshield tint! Here’s the list of stuff I did and used for detailing:
Detailing and Results
I did all five wheels as well. A bit crazy, but it’s new and I wanted it to look good. The Beadmaker I wouldn’t do again, the truck needs a sheeting effect, the panels are too flat to allow the beading to roll off. It beads and stays put which just lets it dry in place. I did pretty much the same to my wife’s car without the beadmaker and the water seems to run off a lot better.
After one year, I had over eighteen thou…I mean I had 7950mi on it. The pandemic caused me to go WFH in mid-March, and I've only driven ~750mi since then. Prior to the pandemic, with a long trip and my stop and go commute, I was getting 18.65 mpg. It has bests of 25.5mpg at 25mi, 24.3mpg at 50mi, and 20.5 at 450mi per the dash. Now with only the shorter trips, it’s gone down a bit.
The first oil change was done at 2250mi (AC Delco filter + 6qts 5W-30 Pennzoil Platinum Pure Plus Dexos1 Gen2) for an early break-in change (58% on the monitor) and my second at 7620 (24%).
Not a lot driving time, but some initial impressions.
Exterior
I like the looks as it’s a bit different than the standard Colorado, but still handsome without being super aggressive like most FS trucks. I’m not a fan of the hood (a bit too much bro-truck) and I’d like to swap for a standard hood. Overall it blends in, which is what I want. It is easy to catch your pant legs on the rock rails upon exit, and they're not really steps, so the wife and kid tend to have to hop in.
Interior
Plain and functional. Coming from an early 2000s era truck it’s like a luxo barge, but it’s really not at all. It’s fairly basic and while not nearly as out of date as the Nissan, the Ranger interior is a bit nicer in some ways, mainly the dash and seats. I like the infotainment interface, and it seems to work very well – quick, seamless, Apple Carplay works fine. The Bose is decent, but not outstanding. It is required for the nav, which I wanted. You can get the Bose sans nav, however.
The cluster is plain, but I do like the newer IP digital center stack vs the older one. The wheel is good, nice thickness, leather wrapped. The controls were pretty easy for me to get used to quickly, which was nice as I didn’t really take any time to play before I headed back when I picked it up. I like the switches in the center stack, the charging pad is small for a lot of modern phones but my 6S is useless with this anyways and it can always be swapped to a lower model cubby. The 4x4 knob could be elsewhere, as it’s a bit like the headlight switch. I haven’t messed that interaction up (yet?).
The AC works great and I just leave it on auto. The steering wheel and seats heaters warm up quickly. The radio antenna doesn’t seem to have the range of my Dakota even though it’s higher (rear cab mount).
The seats are great to both me and the wife, but we’re not larger people (~6’/160 and 5’2”/very petite). There’s plenty of leg room in the back for our preteen kid and the seats are set up a bit, so there is somewhat less headroom back there. I don’t keep anything in the truck - tie downs is it. Storage is okay – the front door panels are kinda funky shaped, the water bottle holder is pretty useless. The center cup holders are fine, the front bin is great for my phone, and the little hole in the dash between the heated seat buttons is a great place for my wallet. There’s cupholders in the rear armrest (maybe not on the Toyota or Ranger? I forget) and the door panels back there aren’t much better. Under rear seat storage is good as the jack is behind the passenger rear seat so it doesn’t waste space underneath.
Driving impressions
It’s quiet, though the Duratracs are new, so that could change. The ride is stiff and controlled, but not harsh. It feels great on smooth roads and maintains a feeling of being planted even on some of the horror-show roads in the Houston area. There is little sway – it just rolls a bit and sets in corners. It has a nice planted feel and the stability control will let you play some before it intervenes, which is nice. It feels "sporty" not just for a truck but also for a 4x4. The Duratracs give up long before the suspension. The roll is likely the tires, as the sidewalls are pretty soft and are P-metric versus the LT version. An RWD/AWD version of a Colorado with DSSVs set up only for handling (Z28 style) could be a great sport truck IMO. It has decent steering feel for an electric assist and is well weighted. The brakes grab high on the pedal with good feel and don’t need a lot of pressure to haul it down. The accelerator is a bit touchy right off but then is smooth and fairly linear after. A bit softer tip-in would be nice, however, as it still catches me on occasion.
Off Road
LOL I don’t even know. We just haven’t gone anywhere. I used 4A when it was really slick in the rain once just to do it and to use the t-case for once. I accidently engaged the rear locker at a light (disengaged before it turned green) because RTFM is for idiots I guess. I did drive it into a very muddy bar ditch back in my hometown last year -didn’t even need 4wd let alone the rear locker - just a judicious application of throttle to drive along it and eventually up out of it. The Duratracs work well apparently.
Things NOT done
Weight is the enemy, especially with payload and unfortunately most add-ons are steel (bumpers, skids). I was going to do bumpers (CBI AL or Expedition-One front, AEV rear), fog lights wired to OEM switch, CBI AL skids, shock skids from wherever, a BakFlip MX4 tri-fold bed cover BakBox2 collapsing toolbox, tailgate seal, and 255/80R17s or 275/75R17s with the AEM trim kit, which is different from the full HighMark kit. A dropside tray from MITS or Norweld would be great on the wishlist lol.
Gearing changes require a tune on the 19+ trucks instead of an inline adapter as on the 17-18s, so to me the 4.10s (4.56 is also available) is out (bye-bye warranty). I also thought it’d be possible to swap in recovered Denali seats with ventilation to the OEM controls, but it doesn’t let you add individual items, the whole truck control system would be ported to a Denali (so no locker controls, etc). Thanks GM!
Stuff I don't like
Some repeats from above, but the short breathers, the nixed drain plug, the 6-7-8 ratios (6-7 is closer ratio than 7-8), trans manual controls are max gear, not actual gear (if you put it in 2nd, that’s as high as it goes, but it still starts in 1st), 3.42s (should be 3.73s), high bedsides, chipping paint at the hood blister (known stupid issue from the faux scoop rubbing the hood, requires hood repaint), no TPMS in the spare (PITA as I do five tire rotations), the factory jack is barely capable of getting the truck high enough so a lot of people use a wood block or bottle jack instead, the headlights are meh (better than the Dakota!), t-case skid plate is LOfuckingLame, fenders aren't designed for 33”s, payload isn't ~1500, towing isn't 6k, silly requirement to plug in a phone to use Apple CP to start (can unplug and continue via BT though), phone charger pad is too small for most phones, goofy door pockets, no USB-C, my paint had a couple very dumb flaws in it from the factory, condensation in my rear cam and passenger taillight (common), 21 gal tank (Dakota is 24), leaky non-rebuildable (to date) DSSVs for some (not me as of yet!), above software nonsense, the V6 alternator is just above crank centerline so it's ripe for submersion (diesel's is mounted up high so no worrie there), some have killed the e-rack too from the same (possible worth looking in to sealing the connection better), cheapening out on stuff over time listed above (very on brand, GM). At this price point, push button start, dual zone AC, ventilated seats could be standard or in a luxury package. Wouldn’t mind some safety nannies – auto cruise, etc.
Paint chipping
Nice cantilevered t-case skid you got there...
On the transmission, 6th is 1:1, 7th 0.85, 8th is 0.66. This makes TX highway speeds a shifty mess as 8th is too tall for the V6 (at 75+, it’s fine at 60-75) with the 3.42s, AT tires, and the more brick-like shape with the 2” lift and bumper cutouts. The engine can carry it, but it’s quick to upshift instead of lug, so all the sudden 18-19mpg goes to 14-15. A bit shorter 8th, closer 7th (at least bringing the rpms down more at upshift), and/or 3.73s in the axles would most likely fix this. The diesel holds gears (all the torque) perhaps making it the only other saving grace it has aside from economy.
Stuff I like
Pretty much everything. The bitching is just me being very particular about what I want and how I think things should be done. I do really like the truck, but like everything it could be better! I love the DSSVs!!!!!!!!!!! The V6 is mostly great (but bring on the 2.7T!), it’s quiet inside, the infotainment system, seats, suspension/driving dynamics, 4A, lockers, and Duratracs.
Do it Again? Next vehicle?
We don’t make plans anymore, as things could change rapidly for either us these days. Could be here one day, could be on another continent the next, but sure, if it came to it I’d replace it with the same thing for now. Assuming life things stay as they are, I’d very much consider the next gen 23/24 model, especially with the 2.7T. Or a FS EV, or a Rivian, or...
*edited to add 2019 year changes - drivers power seat update to 6way and alternator and electric power steering info in Stuff I Don't Like
https://opposite-lock.com/topic/2704/the-best-of-oppo-hyphen-2/6
but not into the sun, as is tradition. Not that it matters, but it was an Arkansas DOT inspector, which I think is interesting only because I wasn't sure which state would do inspections since it crosses state lines. I still wonder if it's a % or they alternate inspections, or just say screw it and inspect on their own intervals and then overlap.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/05/17/ardot-continues-investigation-into-footage-crash-i-bridge/
Drone Capture from the May 2019 Inspection. Pretty big miss there - fortunate no one died.
Earlier threads:
https://opposite-lock.com/topic/14658/because-this-is-exactly-what-we-needed
https://opposite-lock.com/topic/14666/so-about-that-infrastructure
@Rusty-Vandura I live near a school and had someone do this in front of my driveway during a school event one evening. I got back from my dumb long frustrating commute to some overprivileged jerkface with their Denali parked directly in front of my driveway, blocking it off.
I parked my truck on one end and was able to maneuver the wife's car to the other end. Both just off the bumper, effectively blocking them in. Eventually the event ended and they returned. They waited. They waited with their kid for some other ass at the school event to move one of the vehicles. And they waited. And waited some more. And the kid got mad and wanted to go home. So they waited some more, but those people never came, because alas, I was that ass that was not moving a damn thing. Finally the dad knocked LOUDLY on my door. This idiotic faux rich asshole didn't want to apologize and ask me to move MY cars in front of MY house. Oh no, not that - not all, not one damn bit. He wanted to YELL AT ME and THREATEN ME. This was a TERRIBLY, TERRIBLY BAD miscalculation on his part. Now all my neighbors and everyone else within 100yards know how I feel about people who park in front of my house without my permission.
So I feel this video and approve.
So about RTW…it…SUCKS. But what about my commute? Oh…oh no…it’s bad. I have not missed this in the least. No particular order
Road rage incidents (3), including a Sierra Denali vs Panamera chasing each other on surface streets
Accidents (6), not including a fatality in the opposite direction
Lumina (1) Props to you!
Times almost hit (5), mostly side swipe lane intrusions. I drive a truck. It’s there man, you just have to, like, look or something.
Apologies for lane instrusion (1). We cool!
Miles, ~550
MPG (21.3)
Taycan (1) Looks great, want!
Aventador SVJ Roadster (1), in my neighborhood even
Bro trucks (∞)
Phone use (same)
F-250 Tremors (3)
Lane splitting bikers (4)
Worst non-TX driver plate (OK). insert surprised Pikachu face
Half naked bums (1, female)
‘21 F-150s quite a few!
Nissans on donuts (some number, just…why?)
Paper plates (still everywhere, thanks Houston)
21 Tahoe/Yukon (3). The giant chrome strip across the Tahoe tailgate looks really bad in person, GM. Plz fix ASAP.
Persons driving in the turn lane to jump a line of traffic (1) - die in a fire my man.
Horn usage by me (3)
The finger, also by me (1)
Swangers equipped (1)
Death wish sportbikers (1). Do not do serious triple digits in the the I-10 HOV lane my guy, this is not the time nor place for that.
Most overloaded trailer. F-250 guy towing a giant Case backhoe and a couple portable compressors on a 40’ flat gooseneck. JFC.
Tailgate murals (2)
Truckers giving no shits (1) because what’s this trailer attached to my rig imma whip through traffic like a stanced 350z
Speaking of…stanced 350Zs (oddly only 1) but he was doing his best to show the worst of stance nation in traffic. Good job.
Old man dragging an RV trailer through I-10 morning rush hour (1). You poor poor bastard.
Paper coffee cups thrown at another car (1)
Angry Jeep grilles (a lot) I have a sad. 
Constables breaking laws (1) I see you do this nearly everyday bro. Right turning from the center lane cutting someone off. WTAF
Ladders or chairs/sofas (0) Normalcy has not yet been achieved
Also no classics/musclecars, which is a bummer as I was used to seeing them on Fridays pre-pandemic.
@just-jeepin
The Covid post has duplicated. Now the server is infected. Thanks a lot @ttyymmnn!
Been a tough week. Little guy had to go in and get biopsy work done on his intestines and lymph nodes. He likely has small cell lymphoma. His best friend in the world, brother, and littermate passed from it in early 2019, just short of 13. Results in a week. Cancer sucks.
He’s not feeling great. Me either. Chilling with him in the closet. 
Hanging with his bro years ago.
Recent happier times.
@annoying_salman This is fine Oppo, cars or not. It's always healthy to be empathetic and introspective in regards to the less fortunate - it makes for better people. And is fine to be frustrated at those who abuse their positions and power. I have no answers, besides power and corruption tend to go hand-in-hand and that poverty is nationless issue that affects billions and it just...shouldn't be a thing. Maybe humanity will get it's act together one day. Good on you for being thoughtful and kind.
That's the most damage I've ever seen done with an oversized fuse. Excellent work on his part.
@snakesm13
Condolences and sorry to hear.
If you weirdly find yourself driving through San Angelo, hit up Pack Saddle for some BBQ. If you take 277 out to Abilene (the west side way) you'll pass the Goodyear Proving Grounds and you may see some flights out of Dyess. It's a bit more interesting than the 67-83-84 drive. Try to beat my time of 50min between towns via 277 (don't do this the DPS will kill you lol). If skip San Angelo, I won't blame you...
@bicyclebuck
That TAKEYA looks nice, with a shorter profile than mine. I use the Hario Mizudashi (1L, in red), it's kind of tall but it's been good so far. Really fine grinds may leak some from the bottom connection when soaking, but I don't mind a little of that. It can be modded to not do that too. With coarser grinds it's not really a problem. Try to let it sit for ~18-24hr. There's also a 600mL if you want a smaller one.
https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Mizudashi-Coffee-1000ml-Brown/dp/B00I7JKAQ0
@just-jeepin
The Covid post has duplicated. Now the server is infected. Thanks a lot @ttyymmnn!
@ttyymmnn
There's Covid in that there crowd! That looks more crowded than it was for the 4th of July fireworks preview on the 3rd about 12 years ago when last I was there...
7.8% positivity and rising is not great.
@cb said in New Fortnine video on Harley Davidson:
Man, learning the reason for the name Fatboy... Jesus Christ.
I had no idea. Jesus Christ indeed....
@chariotoflove
Hypnotic Donut is right there man, wth is this?
@shop-teacher said in I have reached peak douchebag…:
@snakesm13 Question: Did your order look like some sort of milkshake and/or was there more than one directive in the order? Because you'll need to answer yes to either of those for full peak douchebag.
The only good coffee from SBux is in the form of dessert. Maybe the blonde roast, but everything else is trash. I say that as a man that drinks boat coffee semi-regularly for god's sake.
@houstonrunner
That's good mpg. It's probably all the box's fault... I'd love to see some cfd though as the box may push the air up enough that the bikes don't disturb the flow as much as they would without it since they sit so high. The Yakima Swing Daddy on the Dakota never seemed to make much of a difference - on/off, 1,2,4 bikes, etc. It'd get 16mpg and only 16mpg no matter what.
I do find it hilarious that the ZR2 gets noticeably worse mpg on road trips than both the Suburbans. In Colorado I'd expect it to be down even more than normal, like 13-14 I bet.
I go back and forth. Technically space, but kinda meh about it which feels a little weird. For me spaceflight is an extremely unlikely dream. Not sure a touch and go of space would be enough to satiate me if it were my money - or make me feel I went there. An orbit at exosphere level would do it… Maybe even ISS thermosphere (high thermosphere?) altitude…
I think Virgin will get people to go, but I can see Blue Orgin or SpaceX being more popular I guess. Also agree about SpaceX junking up the place….
