2014 Denali 2WD to 4x4 Conversion

[RST Dana]

I appreciate your thoughts on that. I certainly would go for a 2015 Denali, but they're all at least $12k above what I can get out of mine. And mine is paid off and I've found I actually get much better gas mileage than the SLT I traded for mine. I'm also hoping I can do this conversion for between $4-5k. And being retired allows me with plenty of time on my hands, so that's a plus. Thank you though and I hope you stick around to see how this project turns out!

Your gas mileage might take a dump when you add this extra weight/resistance too the mix.

 

[wjburken]

Your gas mileage might take a dump when you add this extra weight/resistance too the mix.

 

[drastevenson]

Greetings everyone! I bought my 3rd Yukon a couple years ago and finally got the Denali I wanted, except for one thing, it's 2wd. But for the price and mileage it was too hard to pass up.
I've been doing a ton of research and I know the '14 Denali's are either 2WD or AWD, but I don't actually want AWD. I've had SLT's in the past and really liked their 4x4 capabilities. I also know they all use the same transmission the 6L80 regardless of drive type.

I've been creating a parts list of what I might need. But I'm just not sure this has been done before. NGL it would be kinda neat to have a fairly unique 4x4 Denali with the 6.2L engine!

From what I can tell I need the following:

Transfer Case Adapter ~ $95
Transfer Case ~ $385
Drive Shaft Front ~ $85
Drive Shaft Rear ~ $110
Front Diff Assembly~
Front Driver Axel Shaft ~
Front Pass Axel Shaft ~
Front Driver CV Joints
Front Pass CV Joints
Transfer Case Control Module
Front 4x4 Hubs

I'm not certain what else I'm missing. If you'd be so kind to let me know I would greatly appreciate it.

Mechanically speaking, I think this could really work. It's the electrical part that has me concerned. The ECU probably needs alot of reprogramming. But since the Denali only comes in AWD or 2WD, I'm not sure if the computer will like being told it's now a 4x4.

Any help or guidance would be awesome. Thanks so much in advance!

Nearly 2 years later but… did you end up getting this done? Thinking of doing the same on my 07. Don’t really care about “cost and time” stuff. Getting a newer vehicle that has what I want but also its own set of problems isn’t my number one choice right now.

 

[Fless]

Nearly 2 years later but… did you end up getting this done? Thinking of doing the same on my 07. Don’t really care about “cost and time” stuff. Getting a newer vehicle that has what I want but also its own set of problems isn’t my number one choice right now.

Hard to say... the OP hasn't been on here since Nov 2023.

 

[drastevenson]

Hard to say... the OP hasn't been on here since Nov 2023.

Ooof…. Hopefully he’s like me and forgets to come back and update lol.
I have come to the conclusion that the only things that make sense in terms of cost effectiveness and time are 1) Tahoverlanding’s SAS that allows for a 2WD to 4WD or 2) to just find a newer late model option (12+) with 4WD.

 

[Doubeleive]

Ooof…. Hopefully he’s like me and forgets to come back and update lol.
I have come to the conclusion that the only things that make sense in terms of cost effectiveness and time are 1) Tahoverlanding’s SAS that allows for a 2WD to 4WD or 2) to just find a newer late model option (12+) with 4WD.

your going to be hard pressed to find yourself in a situation where 4wd is going to get you out versus awd unless you are purposely getting stuck, in which case you may need to self extract anyway.
In any case most people change there mind after fully understanding what it takes to convert the drive system, it's not nearly as simple as it sounds
which is why there is not many links or write up's by the people that have done it.
much easier to do on a older platform without all the electronics getting in the way
if you have a shop, a lift and shop tools and a welder and metal and bender and taps and dies, spare time and money sure just about anything is possible.

 

[GMCChevy]

I'm not sure on the 2014s but in some generations the whole front suspension was different between RWD and 4WD. You're better off buying whichever one you want to start with.