Are all 6.0 GMC Denali's AWD? Longevity of AWD?

[adventurenali92]

I have not seen anyone convert an AWD Denali to a 4WD system. From what I understand it’s a pretty extensive swap. Plus a lot of module reprogramming as well. Which typically is pretty expensive. With that being said with regular maintenance on the AWD differentials, the AWD system is pretty reliable. Having the diffs serviced at GM’s recommended intervals is what key to trouble free AWD. I’m about due to have mine serviced. But they have not presented any problems in the 4 years I’ve owned my Denali.

 

[petethepug]

http://www.silveradoss.com/forums/topic/75296-awd-to-2wd-easy-beans/


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[mattt]

I have not seen anyone convert an AWD Denali to a 4WD system. From what I understand it’s a pretty extensive swap. Plus a lot of module reprogramming as well. Which typically is pretty expensive. With that being said with regular maintenance on the AWD differentials, the AWD system is pretty reliable. Having the diffs serviced at GM’s recommended intervals is what key to trouble free AWD. I’m about due to have mine serviced. But they have not presented any problems in the 4 years I’ve owned my Denali.

How many miles are on yours thus far? Do you have low range 4wd/awd? If there is no low range, that is reason enough that I'd want to convert, but also the mileage improvement not being in awd all the time is a better choice for me. Thanks.

 

[mattt]

http://www.silveradoss.com/forums/topic/75296-awd-to-2wd-easy-beans/


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Thanks for the link. It looks like there might be another thread with more of the mechanics of it all. The thread you put up just mentioned that it is possible.

Here is why I asked the question in the first place...... ""I see that many of you ask the question about converting to 2WD, as well as the dreaded frequent front axle failure,..........""

I knew that I had heard and read of front awd failures as the system isn't robust for long term usage.


Thanks again.

 

[adventurenali92]

How many miles are on yours thus far? Do you have low range 4wd/awd? If there is no low range, that is reason enough that I'd want to convert, but also the mileage improvement not being in awd all the time is a better choice for me. Thanks.

AWD means there’s no 4HI and 4LO ranges. I have 122k in the clock on my 2006. In all the research I did, non AWD Yukons were only like 1mpg better on fuel economy than the AWD trucks. Not really a big difference there.

 

[bldn10]

The only GMT800 w/ the 6.0, 3:73 rear end, and RWD is the Escalade. Most were AWD but you can find one, as I did. I just bought a 1-owner '06 w/ 73,000 miles!

 

[latvius]

I have a 2005 Tahoe 4WD and a 2005 Denali AWD, the Denali gets about 1 MPH worse gas mileage but also has way more getup and go. So not much diff in gas FYI. The only bad thing I would say about AWD is it eats up tires a lot faster than 4WD.

 

[adriver]

I'm at a crossroads with my 04 Tahoe Z71 that will very soon roll over 300k miles on original engine and drivetrain, including trans. I'm looking at replacing the 5.3 with a 6.0, going thru the trans, replacing the front susp and steering to tighten everything up, new shocks, and tracking down the occasional mystery rotational grinding/growling from the rear brakes or axle. There are probably more things I'll need to attend to once I dive into the rebuild/refresh still to be found out. I'm up for the project, but also considering just dumping it and moving to a Denali.

My interest in the Denali is mostly that I'm after the 6.0 for towing purposes. A lot of the things I want to pull into the Tahoe refresh/rebuild are from the Denali, such as 6.0 and trans temp gauge on the cluster.

What is the longevity and mileage hit from your personal experience with the Denali AWD? Is the AWD system going to present problems once it has higher mileage?

Is a transfer case swap to the Denali to convert it from AWD to a selectable 4wd like the Tahoe Z71 has easy enough of a swap? Drop & swamp transfer cases and dash switch? Anyone converted a Denali previously?

Thanks in advance.

https://www.gmfullsize.com/threads/convert-awd-yukon-to-4wd.245870/

Post #11

 

[Musicars]

I would think the simplest way to get the 6.0L and avoid the AWD would be to get 2500 series with 4WD. The only drawback might be the stiffer suspension as I think the 3/4 tons have leaf springs in the rear. Denalis (at least my '06) have 3:73 gears and I would think you could get those in a 3/4 ton also.

Regarding the AWD front diff: My '06 Denali has around 180,000 miles on it. I can see that the front diff has been replaced on it before as it is painted silver and the dates codes on the case are from around '03. It whines a bit now. I did a fluid change when I replaced an axle seal and it was pretty dirty with a bit of metal shaving on the plug. I picked up a used "back up" diff from an '06 with 90,000 miles. The fluid in that was also a bit dirty with some fine shavings on the plug but not too bad I doubt it was ever changed. From what I have researched, these can start having issues around 100,000 to 125,000 if you do not do regular fluid changes. I have heard of these going well over 200,000 if the fluid gets changed. Some have claimed over 300,000. Rebuilding them is not too tough or excessively expensive. They are also relatively easy to get out and install. I also believe there are a couple of upgrades that cam be done during a rebuild.

 

[mattt]

Thank you for all the great posts today. Very informative!