Auto AWD without the buttons, any advice?

[Freedom Motorsports]

Ok, so I just bought an 04 Yukon Denali with the automatic all wheel drive that doesn't have the button selector to manually engage 4x4. Anyone have any advice, hints, etc where this set up is concerned. I have heard that they sometimes had issues with the bearings in the front differential.

This truck also has the air ride shocks in the back. I am use to dealing with 3/4 ton trucks so anyone have advice on what replacement shocks work best on these vehicles for ride quality, etc.

Thanks in advance for the assistance.

 

[Phantomx55]

Denali's are AWD, can't switch to 2wd like the tahoes as far as I know.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Thanks, are there any issues that are common enough with these systems that I need to watch for? I already found the "Corvette Servo" threads and that is on the list.

But I also heard from a GM Mechanic friend that they have issues with the axle bearings in the front differential coming out and I was wondering if there may be an aftermarket kit that is available to upgrade them somehow. Seems kind of risky to tear it apart and just put the same bearings back in.

 

[Phantomx55]

The only major component I have heard a lot of complaints about has been the transmission. Mine had to be replaced at 93k miles and I have heard plenty of people say the same thing. Vette servo should be a great improvement, although mine has been collecting dust waiting to go in...Not sure if the Denali comes with a trans cooler already, but it may be something you could be interested in as well.

 

[ktmhans]

Thanks, are there any issues that are common enough with these systems that I need to watch for? I already found the "Corvette Servo" threads and that is on the list.

But I also heard from a GM Mechanic friend that they have issues with the axle bearings in the front differential coming out and I was wondering if there may be an aftermarket kit that is available to upgrade them somehow. Seems kind of risky to tear it apart and just put the same bearings back in.

to my knowledge the only thing you can do with the front diff is make sure who ever rebuilds it uses the new stle retaining clips. from 07 and newer models. When i got parts from stealership it looked like the part was superseeded(I can't spell sorry). the part is a lot stronger then whats in out trucks.
While in there I got all new bearings, axle, carrier, diff. seals crush races. parts were around $300 and the guy have me a smokin deal of $100 to set it all up. I gave pulled it out of the truck, disassembled and cleaned it up first for him. OH and the $300 included a welder welding up the case because the PO ****** me.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Thanks guys!

ktmhans, that is exactly what I was looking for, this will be the first major thing I do to the Kon so that helps a MILLION!

Thanks again guys!

 

[chevy_man]

The air-ride kinda sucks. It's cool and rides great till something gives out. Most of the time if a shock goes the compressor will keep running till you pull the fuse or it burns itself out. So if you notice it running a lot check your shocks. They're about $350 apiece so some guys just put standard shocks in and ditch the air-ride.

If you want to disable the air-ride and remove the display message disconnect the battery, pull the fuse, and then re-connect the battery. If you simply pull the fuse it'll display "service stability system" every time you start it which is annoying as ****.

I'm waiting till I have an issue with the AWD, then I'm going to get a front dif, transfer case, and 4wd switch from a standard yukon and replace it. Not having 2wd or 4-lo drives me ******* nuts, but I can't fix what's not "broken" according to the wife. If you do this talk to a dealer fist and make sure they'll be able to flash your BCM/PCM to make the 4wd switch work. My dealer said he could do it, but not every one is willing to go through the trouble to try anything not "original equipment".

Another thing with the AWD is even when you push the traction button to turn the system off, it doesn't go 100% off, it just lets the tires spin a little more before it engages. So even if it's turned off and you're in mud or ice/snow be prepared to be annoyed by the brakes still engaging to "save" you when you're spinning shittys.