Evening Fellas .
Does anybody have tried installing the Multimatic set up from the ZR2 in a Trailboss , any idea how easy would it be to switch for the stock suspension ? Any help would be greatly appreciated .
Before pulling the trigger on the Multimatics, take a look at the following and determine what you mostly needing...daily driving comfort versus off-roading stability. Pretty good write up between Multimatics and the FOX 2.5 DSC Front Coil-overs and Rear shocks which I have on my setup. I went with FOX because they are the better option for me since I do a bit of off-roading. Very long comparison, but absolutely analytical in its in depth description of the strengths/weaknesses of both types of suspension parts.
Best Use Case
ZR2 Multimatics: On-road performance + light-med off-road
FOX 2.5 DSC: Balanced off-road, aggressive terrain
Damping Style
ZR2 Multimatics: Adaptive / continuously variable
FOX 2.5 DSC: Fixed valving (but high-end)
Ride Comfort
ZR2 Multimatics: Excellent on paved roads
FOX 2.5 DSC: Good, focused more on off-road
Off-Road Capability
ZR2 Multimatics: Good, but tuned for stability
FOX 2.5 DSC: Very strong in rough terrain
Adjustability
ZR2 Multimatics: Adaptive ISR (real-time)
FOX 2.5 DSC: Manual valving designed for specific load
Heat / Abuse Resistance
ZR2 Multimatics: Strong, but can run warmer in hard off-road
FOX 2.5 DSC: Very good (FOX 2.5 is proven)
Price
ZR2 Multimatics: Typically higher (adaptive tech)
FOX 2.5 DSC: Still premium, often less than Multimatics
What the ZR2 Multimatics Are
Multimatics Adaptive Dampers (as found on Chevy Colorado/ZR2 and some GM vehicles) are:
Continuously Adaptive
They adjust damping force in real time using internal valves and sensors.
This means the shock reacts to bumps, steering input, and speed without driver intervention.
Optimized for on-road + mild off-road
Multimatics excel at:
minimizing pitch and dive in braking/acceleration
keeping the chassis stable at higher speed
smoothing pavement irregularities and washboard
Not as aggressive as long-travel desert systems — they’re calibrated to be balanced, not extreme.
Pros
Excellent highway comfort and control
Reduced body motion / smoother ride
Adaptive without manual tuning
Cons
Not as aggressive as dedicated off-road performance shocks
Adaptive systems can be heavier and more complex
Less customization once installed
What FOX 2.5 DSC Are
FOX 2.5 Performance Series DSC (Dual Speed Compression) shocks and coilovers are:
High-Performance Off-Road Components
FOX 2.5 shocks have:
Larger damper body → more oil volume → better heat control
DSC means two compression circuits:
soft, small-bump compression for comfort
firm, big-bump compression for big hits
They’re typically built for trucks with:
bigger tires
lifted suspension
heavy loads
serious off-road use
Pros
Excellent off-road control and wheel travel
Great heat management under sustained abuse
Tuned for big terrain, jumps, washboard, rocks, whoops
Cons
Stiffer on pavement if not tuned for comfort
Requires proper spring rate match for best performance
Less adaptive “smart” tuning — it’s valved, not controlled electronically
Real-World Use Case Comparison
Highway & Daily Driving
Multimatics: Usually more comfortable and less busy over bumps; adaptive damping helps keep the truck composed on pavement.
FOX 2.5: Still good, but generally firmer and more oriented to handling terrain — can feel more choppy on smooth roads.
Winner for daily street:
ZR2 Multimatics
Mixed Off-Road (Backroads → Trails)
Multimatics: Comfortable approach, able to handle moderate dirt and uneven surfaces.
FOX 2.5: Better control and feedback in technical terrain; DSC helps with bigger hits.
Winner for mixed off-road:
FOX 2.5 (unless your terrain is super mild)
Aggressive Off-Road / Desert / Rock
Multimatics: Not designed for continuous heavy AO or rock crawling — it’s capable, but calibrated for balance.
FOX 2.5: Built for this. More oil capacity, better heat dissipation, and rebound control.
Winner for serious off-road:
FOX 2.5
Heavy Loads / Towing
Multimatics: Works fine, but adaptive systems aren’t load-specific unless designed that way.
FOX 2.5 (paired with proper springs): Handles heavier loads and maintains damping control under weight.
Winner for load / towing:
FOX 2.5 (paired with correct springs)
So which is better for YOU?
Given your specific setup:
6" lift, 305/70R18s
Trail / seasonal off-road
Mixed street + dirt roads
Sandbags winter 400+lbs / heavy rear bumper
Here’s how I’d frame the choice:
If your priority is:
Comfort + daily driving + light trails:
ZR2 Multimatics
If your priority is:
Serious off-road performance, wheel control, bigger hits:
FOX 2.5 DSC
One More Consideration: Springs Match
Shocks only work as well as the springs they are tuned with.
FOX wants appropriate springs (rate matched to weight/tire size).
Multimatics is tuned by GM around a specific spring rate.
So if your springs aren’t ideal for Multimatics, they can’t “compensate.”
Practical Bottom Line
For a daily driver with occasional trail use:
Multimatics are an excellent choice.
For heavier off-road use, rock paths, sustained whoops, or heavier loads:
FOX 2.5 DSC is the better performer.
