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Holden stopped selling cars in 2020, and the last RG Colorados are getting on. There are still a lot of them on the road, towing vans and working for a living. Parts support is healthy, partly because the 2012 to 2020 Colorado shares its chassis and suspension with the Isuzu D-Max of the same years.
That shared platform is useful to know when shopping. Many suspension parts are listed as "Colorado and D-Max". The engines are different, so engine parts are Colorado only. This guide is mainly about the RG, sold from 2012 to 2020, with a note on the older RC at the end.
1. A catch can
The 2.8 litre Duramax recirculates crankcase vapour and exhaust gas through its intake, where the oil and soot combine and build up. On an engine with this many kilometres behind it, keeping the intake clean matters. The HPD catch can for the RG Colorado and Trailblazer is made for the 2.8. More in do you need a catch can?
2. A transmission cooler
The RG automatic is a common tow vehicle, and its factory transmission cooling runs through a heat exchanger shared with the engine's coolant. Under a heavy tow that can struggle. HPD's transcooler kit for the RG Colorado and Trailblazer adds a separate oil-to-air cooler. If you tow a van, this is the upgrade we'd put near the top. See do you need a transmission cooler?
3. The intercooler hose
Factory rubber intercooler hoses soften over time and can split under boost. For the 2014 to 2020 2.8 there's an ATI silicone cold side hose. On a ute this age, check the condition of every hose in the intake tract while you're there.
4. A lift
The ATI spacer and shackle lift kit raises the RG about 2 inches front and rear using the factory struts and springs. It suits a ute that needs clearance for tyres. If the original shocks are tired, which is likely by now, replacing them at the same time is money well spent.
5. The parts that go with a lift
- Adjustable upper control arms, with different kits for 2012 to 2016 and 2017 to 2020 Colorados. The front end changed in 2017, so order by year.
- A 30mm diff drop kit to ease the CV angle.
- An extended braided brake line kit if the hoses are tight at full droop.
- Sway bar relocation brackets to suit the new ride height.
Let the alignment printout decide which of these you need. What you actually need after a 2-inch lift has the checks.
6. Load support
If the rear sags with a van on the towball or a loaded tray, the ATI airbag load assist kit helps the leaf springs when you need it. For a rear that just needs to sit higher, there are extended greasable shackles too. Neither one raises your legal payload.
7. Protection and exhaust
Rock sliders for the RG protect the sills and give you a step. For 2016 to 2020 models there's a stainless DPF-back exhaust, which keeps the factory emissions equipment in place.
8. Small things
- An Ultimate9 EVC throttle controller for the RG and Colorado 7.
- A fire extinguisher bracket made for the cabin.
- Paracord grab handles, a tyre deflator and a recovery hitch.
The older RC Colorado
The 2008 to 2012 RC is a different vehicle underneath. For it we list HPD catch cans and intercooler kits, rock sliders, headlights and a fire extinguisher bracket.
Common questions
Can I still get parts for a Holden Colorado?
Yes. Aftermarket support is strong, and many chassis and suspension parts are shared with the 2012 to 2020 D-Max.
Do D-Max parts fit the Colorado?
For 2012 to 2020, many suspension parts do and are listed for both. Engine and intake parts are specific to each, because the engines are different.
Do these fit the Trailblazer and Colorado 7?
Engine, cooling and front suspension parts often do, and are listed that way. Those wagons have a coil-sprung rear, so leaf spring parts don't apply.
What should I do first?
A catch can, and a transmission cooler if you tow with the automatic. Then deal with anything worn before adding a lift. Everything is in our Colorado parts collection.
