For owners of the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado (and its GMC Canyon sibling), the allure of off-road adventure is undeniable. While these trucks are capable in stock form, serious enthusiasts know that to conquer challenging terrain truly, a significant upgrade is needed. Enter the world of long travel suspension – a modification that transforms your Colorado into a formidable off-road machine, capable of tackling desert whoops, rocky trails, and demanding landscapes with unparalleled control and stability.

04-12-colorado-long-travel-suspension
(Picture: gmauthority.com)

This article delves deep into the specifics of long travel suspension for the 04-12 Colorado, exploring its benefits, key components, installation considerations, and what to expect when taking the plunge into this exciting realm of off-road performance.

What is Long Travel Suspension and Why Your Colorado Needs It

At its core, long travel suspension dramatically increases your vehicle's wheel travel – the vertical distance each wheel can move independently. Unlike standard lift kits that primarily raise the vehicle's ride height, long travel systems focus on maximizing articulation and damping capabilities.

The "Why" for Your 04-12 Colorado:

  • Enhanced Stability and Control: By widening the vehicle's track width (often by several inches per side) and allowing for greater independent wheel movement, long travel suspension significantly improves stability. This translates to less body roll, reduced jarring impacts, and more predictable handling, especially at higher speeds over rough terrain. Imagine confidently floating over washboard roads or maintaining composure through deep ruts.
  • Superior Traction and Articulation: When one wheel drops into a hole or climbs over an obstacle, a long travel setup allows it to extend further, keeping the tire in contact with the ground. This increased articulation means better traction, as more of your tires are consistently engaged, preventing loss of grip and momentum. For rock crawling or uneven trails, this is a game-changer.
  • Smoother Ride Quality: While counterintuitive to some, long travel suspension often results in a significantly smoother ride, even over extremely harsh terrain. The extended shocks and coils, often paired with remote reservoirs, are designed to dissipate heat more effectively and provide superior damping. This absorbs impacts more efficiently, reducing driver fatigue and making long off-road excursions more enjoyable.
  • Increased Tire Clearance: The wider stance and increased wheel travel necessitate modifications to your fenders, often leading to the installation of fiberglass fenders. This, in turn, allows for the fitment of larger tires, further enhancing off-road capability and ground clearance.

Key Components of a 04-12 Colorado Long Travel System

A complete long travel suspension kit for the 04-12 Colorado is far more than just longer shocks. It's a comprehensive system designed to work in harmony. Here are the typical components you'll find:

  1. Extended Upper and Lower Control Arms: These are the backbone of the front-long travel system. Fabricated from robust materials like chromoly, these arms are significantly longer than stock, pushing the wheels further out from the vehicle's centerline. This wider stance is crucial for stability and allows for increased vertical wheel travel. Many kits utilize uniballs instead of traditional ball joints for superior strength and articulation.
  2. Longer Coilover Shocks: These are the heart of the damping system. Long travel coilover shocks are specifically designed with a longer stroke to accommodate the increased wheel travel. Often, they come with remote reservoirs, which increase oil capacity and help dissipate heat, preventing "shock fade" during prolonged, aggressive off-road use. Reputable brands like Fox, King, and Radflo are common choices, offering a range of adjustability for compression and rebound.
  3. Extended Constant Velocity (CV) Axles: With the wheels pushed further out, the stock CV axles would be over-extended and quickly fail. Long travel kits include extended CV axles to maintain proper driveline angles and ensure power transfer to the wheels. It's often recommended to carry spares, as these can be a worn item in extreme off-roading.
  4. Extended Brake Lines: The increased suspension travel means that the brake calipers will move further away from the frame at full droop. To prevent stretching or rupturing, extended DOT-approved brake lines are essential for maintaining braking performance and safety.
  5. Bump Stops and Limit Straps: These critical components protect your suspension and vehicle. Bump stops absorb the final impacts when the suspension fully compresses, preventing damage to shocks and other components. Limit straps prevent over-extension of the suspension, protecting CV joints and steering components at full droop.
  6. Fiberglass Fenders/Bedsides: Due to the significantly wider track width and larger tires, stock fenders will not provide adequate clearance. Aftermarket fiberglass fenders and sometimes bedsides are necessary modifications to accommodate the new geometry and prevent rubbing.

Installation Considerations and Challenges

Installing a long travel suspension kit on your 04-12 Colorado is a significant undertaking that typically requires advanced mechanical skills and specialized tools. It's generally not a "bolt-on" affair for the average DIY enthusiast.

  • Fabrication and Welding: Many long travel kits require some degree of fabrication, including welding on new shock mounts, reinforcement plates, or bed cages for the rear suspension (if applicable for triple bypass shocks).
  • Cutting and Trimming: Extensive cutting of the factory fenders and sometimes the firewall pinch weld is necessary to clear the larger tires and accommodate the wider suspension.
  • Alignment: Proper alignment after installation is crucial to ensure correct steering geometry, tire wear, and vehicle handling. This often requires specialized alignment shops familiar with modified off-road vehicles.
  • Driveshaft Modifications: Depending on the amount of lift and travel, you may need to address driveshaft angles to prevent vibrations or premature wear. This could involve shims, a slip-yoke eliminator, or custom driveshafts.
  • Budget: Long travel suspension is a premium upgrade. Be prepared for a significant financial investment, not just for the kit itself, but also for potential installation costs, additional components (like wheels and tires), and any necessary ancillary modifications.

What to Expect After the Transformation

Once your 04-12 Colorado is equipped with a long travel suspension system, the change in performance will be dramatic.

  • Unrivaled Off-Road Capability: Your truck will be able to tackle terrain that was previously impossible or extremely uncomfortable. Whoops and bumps will be absorbed with ease, allowing for higher speeds and a smoother ride.
  • Wider Stance, Aggressive Look: The increased track width and often larger tires will give your Colorado a much more aggressive and capable appearance.
  • Specialized Maintenance: While durable, long-travel components, especially uni balls and heim joints, require regular maintenance, cleaning, and lubrication to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
  • Potential On-Road Differences: While designed to improve off-road handling, a properly tuned long travel system should still provide acceptable on-road manners. However, the wider stance and potentially stiffer valving may alter the feel compared to stock.

Popular Long Travel Kit Manufacturers for 04-12 Colorado

Several reputable manufacturers offer long travel kits for the 04-12 Colorado/Canyon. Some notable names include:

  • Dirt King Fabrication: Known for their robust and well-engineered kits, often offering significant travel numbers (e.g., 13.5" of travel).
  • Hoodrat Manufacturing: Produces TIG-welded chromoly kits, boasting impressive wheel travel (up to 20") and customizable options.
  • Dynasty Offroad: Another prominent name in the off-road fabrication world, offering comprehensive long-travel solutions.

When choosing a kit, research reviews, compare specifications, and consider your specific off-road goals and budget. Many manufacturers offer options for different shock brands and configurations.

Conclusion

For 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon owners seeking to unlock the full off-road potential of their trucks, long travel suspension is the ultimate upgrade. It's an investment in performance, control, and the ability to confidently explore the most challenging landscapes. While the installation process demands skill and commitment, the rewards – a significantly more capable, stable, and exhilarating off-road experience – are well worth the effort for dedicated adventurers. If you're ready to transform your mid-size truck into a true off-road beast, long travel is the path to follow.