2018 Chev Suburban 5.3L AWD/4WD vs. 2WD

[AmazinglySmooth]

I have opportunity to drive two different 2018 Suburbans. Both have the 5.3L engine. The 2WD has the trailering package with the different final gear. The AWD/4WD one has the regular final gear ratio. The AWD seems to shift slower than the 2WD. Is this typical? I used to have a 2011 Denali AWD, and I felt it shifted slowly too. I'm wondering if it is in my head or if there is a difference or if there is a maintenance issue I need to handle on the AWD one.

 

[Rdr854]

The Suburban is either RWD/2WD or 4WD. We do not have an AWD setting. Some folks have assumed that the transfer case can operate like AWD if you leave it in AUTO 24/7, but I was admonished by my local Chevy dealer that doing so is bad for the truck. Instead, it should be left in 2WD and placed into 4WD when needed.

 

[gat0r]

pretty sure chevy doesnt offer AWD in hoe or burb... just 4wd & 2wd

just the higher end gmc & caddies


i suppose the shifting could seem slower. poss diff in highway vs towing gears. 3.08 vs 3.42 would have different programming for shift points.

how many miles are on it?

if its kept up well... nothing a tune from BBP couldnt fix
ive tuned my '15 burb & it runs great

 

[gat0r]

The Suburban is either RWD/2WD or 4WD. We do not have an AWD setting. Some folks have assumed that the transfer case can operate like AWD if you leave it in AUTO 24/7, but I was admonished by my local Chevy dealer that doing so is bad for the truck. Instead, it should be left in 2WD and placed into 4WD when needed.

it is better to leave it in 2WD, but AUTO doesnt hurt anything.

mine has been in AUTO since i bought it im over 60k now
its only engaged a few times when i was on a dirt road or roads were bad from weather.

i move it over to 4HI a few times a year to have some fun launching from start trying to catch a camaro or some other car off guard lol

 

[swathdiver]

I have opportunity to drive two different 2018 Suburbans. Both have the 5.3L engine. The 2WD has the trailering package with the different final gear. The AWD/4WD one has the regular final gear ratio. The AWD seems to shift slower than the 2WD. Is this typical? I used to have a 2011 Denali AWD, and I felt it shifted slowly too. I'm wondering if it is in my head or if there is a difference or if there is a maintenance issue I need to handle on the AWD one.

Jeffrey, the K2s are either RWD or 4x4s, not like your previous Denali.

The difference in feeling may be because of gearing and or programming. Both have the 6-speed transmission but the RWD truck will have 3.42 gears and those shift sooner, a little snappier than the 3.08 gear in the 4x4. The taller (lower numerically) gear affects shifting some. Regardless, a BlackBear tune will make them shift beautifully.

You'll have a 6,000 pound tow rating in the 4x4 and 8,300 pounds in the RWD truck.

All the drive line fluids should be changed if the truck has around 40-50K miles on it.

 

[sealandsky]

it is better to leave it in 2WD, but AUTO doesnt hurt anything.

mine has been in AUTO since i bought it im over 60k now
its only engaged a few times when i was on a dirt road or roads were bad from weather.

i move it over to 4HI a few times a year to have some fun launching from start trying to catch a camaro or some other car off guard lol

"AUTO" setting seems to engage the transfer case as I hear and feel more drive-train noise and feel more drag when it's engaged. I'm not a fan of that, so only engage when the roads are slick (or for a fast launch).

 

[gat0r]

i tried both 2WD & AUTO & didnt feel much of a diff (no diff in 0-60 either)
nor hear a diff in sounds

shrug


4HI is definitely fun for the fast launches

 

[sickk23]

Mine is a 2018 2wd w/trailer pkg and it shifts SLOW and LATE. Casually driving around town it sounds like I'm in tow haul mode trying to race people. The dealer said its normal but I swear its miserable.

 

[AmazinglySmooth]

Has anyone that notices the slow shifts added a pedal modifier like SprintBooster or Pedal Commander?

 

[swathdiver]

"AUTO" setting seems to engage the transfer case as I hear and feel more drive-train noise and feel more drag when it's engaged. I'm not a fan of that, so only engage when the roads are slick (or for a fast launch).

"Auto" does indeed have power running through the transfer case and the front shaft spinning, ready to send power to the front wheels.