The best lift kit for a Chevy Colorado depends on its model year, drivetrain and factory suspension. For a gasoline-powered 2015–2022 truck with stock struts, the ReadyLIFT 69-3535 is a strong starting point because it includes upper control arms and supporting brackets. For a modest lift on a newer 4WD truck, consider Rough Country 13100. First-generation trucks need a separate choice for torsion bars or coil springs.
These four picks cover specific Colorado applications. Check the exact part number against your truck before ordering, especially if it already has a lift, replacement struts or a factory off-road package.
Best Chevy Colorado lift kits at a glance
| Kit | Best reason to choose it | Colorado application | Advertised lift | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReadyLIFT 69-3535 SST | Second-generation package with upper control arms | 2015–2022, gasoline, 2WD/4WD, stock struts | 3.5 inches front / 1 inch rear | Excludes ZR2 and diesel; no aftermarket lift struts |
| Rough Country 13100 | Simple front-and-rear spacer package for newer trucks | 2023–2026 4WD, excluding ZR2 and Trail Boss; see RWD caveat below | Marketed as a 2-inch lift kit | Requires strut disassembly; no replacement dampers |
| ReadyLIFT 69-3070 SST | First-generation torsion-bar option | 2004–2012 4WD with torsion-key front suspension | Up to 2.25 inches front / 1.5 inches rear | Not the coil-spring 2WD kit |
| ReadyLIFT 69-3075 SST | First-generation coil-spring 2WD option | 2004–2012 2WD with front coil springs | 2.5 inches front / 1.5 inches rear | Not for 4WD or torsion-key applications |
1. ReadyLIFT 69-3535 SST: best for a second-generation gas truck
The 69-3535 gives a compatible 2015–2022 Colorado a more substantial front lift while raising the rear less. Its useful distinction is the included tubular upper control arms, alongside replacement strut top hats, differential spacers, sway-bar drop brackets, rear blocks and U-bolts. That makes it worth considering when you want a coordinated package around the original struts.
- Pros: upper control arms and supporting hardware are included; front and rear lift are specified separately.
- Cons: gasoline applications only; ZR2 and diesel trucks are excluded. ReadyLIFT also excludes Canyon AT4, so shared Colorado/Canyon branding is not blanket compatibility.
- Required: stock struts, professional suspension work and an alignment. The instructions prohibit combining this kit with aftermarket lift struts or another lift system.
Check the manufacturer’s application and parts list and installation instructions. Amazon’s title uses the older 2015–2019 range; the current manufacturer page lists 2015–2022 for the same 69-3535 part number.
ReadyLIFT 69-3535 SST Lift Kit, 3.5-inch Front / 1-inch Rear
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
2. Rough Country 13100: best simple spacer kit for newer 4WD trucks
For a compatible third-generation Colorado, 13100 supplies front strut spacers, preload spacers, rear blocks, U-bolts and hardware. It reuses the truck’s struts and shocks. Choose it when the goal is a modest height change and you do not need replacement dampers or a package with new upper control arms.
- Pros: raises both ends; the manufacturer describes a bolt-on installation without cutting or drilling for the kit itself.
- Cons: installation still involves removing and compressing the front springs. Larger wheel-and-tire combinations can require trimming even though the kit is described as bolt-on.
- Required: suitable spring-compression equipment and a qualified installer, followed by alignment and headlamp checks.
Fitment needs particular care here. Rough Country’s current product page lists 2023–2026 Colorado 4WD and RWD, but its current installation document is headed 4WD. Its own answer in the product Q&A excludes Trail Boss as well as ZR2. This recommendation is therefore limited to compatible 4WD trucks without those packages; RWD owners should obtain direct confirmation before buying. The Amazon listing retains a 2023–2024 4WD title, so later-year buyers should also confirm their application.
3. ReadyLIFT 69-3070 SST: best for first-generation torsion-bar 4WD trucks
The 69-3070 uses adjustable front torsion keys and rear leaf-spring shackles. ReadyLIFT specifies up to 2.25 inches of front lift and 1.5 inches at the rear for the 2004–2012 Colorado application. Its product description also includes shock extensions, allowing the original shocks to remain when they are in serviceable condition.
- Pros: a front-and-rear solution tailored to the older torsion-bar layout; replacement shocks are not the basis of the lift.
- Cons: a torsion-key kit is the wrong purchase for a coil-spring truck. ReadyLIFT’s page contains broader 2WD/4WD wording in its description, but its explicit fitment note says 4WD torsion-key vehicles only.
- Required: confirmation of the front suspension type, correct application-specific instructions and a professional alignment.
Use the narrower restriction on the 69-3070 manufacturer page. Its shared Colorado/Canyon/H3 title starts at 2002; the Colorado-specific description starts at 2004. The linked instruction PDF includes H3-specific front-installation pages, so have the installer obtain the correct Colorado procedure.
4. ReadyLIFT 69-3075 SST: best for first-generation coil-spring 2WD trucks
For a 2004–2012 Colorado with 2WD and front coil springs, 69-3075 is the relevant ReadyLIFT alternative. The kit uses lower front strut extensions, upper ball-joint spacers, rear shackles and rear shock extensions. The advertised lift is 2.5 inches front and 1.5 inches rear.
- Pros: specifically addresses the coil-spring 2WD suspension; includes ball-joint spacers and rear shock extensions.
- Cons: does not fit 4WD or replace the torsion-key kit. It retains existing dampers, so worn shocks still need attention.
- Required: an installer who can verify coil-spring fitment, inspect the original suspension and follow the complete kit instructions.
The manufacturer’s 69-3075 page gives conflicting 30-inch and 31-inch tire guidance in different sections. Have your exact wheel-and-tire combination checked instead of treating either number as a guaranteed fit.
How to choose the right Colorado lift kit
Start with the suspension you actually have
Record the year, trim, drivetrain, engine and existing suspension changes. On an older Colorado, identify coil springs versus torsion bars before comparing prices. On a newer truck, identify Trail Boss or ZR2 before choosing a kit intended for a standard suspension. ReadyLIFT offers separate 2023–2026 Trail Boss and ZR2 applications; the kits above are not interchangeable with those trim-specific systems.
Price the installed job
Ask for a quote that includes labor, alignment, headlamp adjustment, any required driver-assistance calibration and the wheels or tires you plan to use. A spacer kit can still require a spring compressor and extensive disassembly. Have worn suspension parts repaired before fitting a lift, and follow the manufacturer’s inspection and fastener-recheck schedule afterward.
Match tires and intended use
Lift height alone does not establish tire clearance. Width, wheel offset, steering travel and body clearance all matter. Test-fit the proposed combination, and check whether trimming or speedometer recalibration is required. A suspension change can alter handling; compare the kit’s instructions with local vehicle requirements before purchase. Avoid stacking additional lift parts unless the manufacturer explicitly approves the exact combination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lift kit for a Chevy Colorado?
For a 2015–2022 gasoline Colorado with stock struts, ReadyLIFT 69-3535 is a useful choice when you want included upper control arms. Rough Country 13100 suits a modest lift on compatible newer 4WD trucks. First-generation buyers should choose by front suspension type: 69-3070 for the listed torsion-key 4WD application or 69-3075 for coil-spring 2WD.
Will the same lift kit fit a ZR2 or Trail Boss?
Do not assume so. ReadyLIFT 69-3535 excludes ZR2, and Rough Country’s own 13100 product Q&A excludes ZR2 and Trail Boss. Factory off-road packages need a kit explicitly approved for their year and trim.
Can a 2WD Colorado use a 4WD lift kit?
Only when the manufacturer explicitly lists both. ReadyLIFT 69-3535 lists gasoline 2WD and 4WD applications, while the older 69-3075 is for coil-spring 2WD only. Rough Country’s 13100 page and instruction heading differ on drivetrain coverage, so RWD owners should confirm directly before ordering.
Do these lift kits include new shocks?
These four selections retain the existing dampers rather than supplying a replacement shock package. ReadyLIFT 69-3535 specifically requires stock struts, and the older ReadyLIFT kits use shock extensions. Have the existing shocks and struts inspected before deciding to reuse them.
Is an alignment needed after installing a lift?
Plan for a professional alignment and headlamp check. Follow the exact kit’s instructions for clearance checks, hardware reinspection and any calibration required by changed tire size or driver-assistance equipment.
