Converting a 15 Denali XL into a real truck

[triggerfin]

I'm a highly satisfied original owner of a 2001 Yukon XL with 180K miles on it. Time to upgrade and am considering a 15 XL or XL Denali. My other option is a F250 diesel. Question/advice: I do need to use this vehicle as a truck, with the ability to do some fairly light off-road that does involve pulling a trailer with a UTV (off-road) or a boat. I also drive on the beach regularly and need to traverse a 400 acre piece of property w/ unpaved roads/off-roads during hunting season. My current stock Yukon with 285s (BFG KM2s) does the job nicely and has never stranded me & family.

The current lineup is too low to the ground and the stock wheels/tires will leave me stranded without a doubt. The wheels and tires won't make it off the dealer lot for me - they'll be in the back for the trip home and onward to Craigslist. Thoughts on the bare minimum I would need to perform on a 15 Denali XL to achieve my goals? It doesn't appear that even the 285s will fit. I would prefer achieving at least a 2" lift/level plus 285s and would likely downsize the wheels to 18s.

Not looking to make this thing an off-road powerhouse (my '13 Rubicon w/ 35s does this for me), but it does need to take my family camping and fishing and handle the light utility work.

 

[Pockets]

Sounds like have the right idea. 2" lift or more and some moderate tires should be fine. Personally I don't think I would go out and buy a 15' for what your wanting to do.

 

[HAARubicon]

A small lift is in order. And you will need to take a saw to the front air dam. That thing is stupid low.

I think it will do what you want, but an 07-14 3/4 ton would be better. The 3/4 ton gives you leaf springs in the rear for better hitch weight. Plus 6.0 V8 and better ground clearance.

I have 2005 that upfitted to a Dmax Diesel and Allison and would not trade it for anything. But be aware, since GM dropped the 3/4 ton the values have jumped significantly.

 

[BirchyBoy]

A small lift is in order. And you will need to take a saw to the front air dam. That thing is stupid low.

I think it will do what you want, but an 07-14 3/4 ton would be better. The 3/4 ton gives you leaf springs in the rear for better hitch weight. Plus 6.0 V8 and better ground clearance.

I have 2005 that upfitted to a Dmax Diesel and Allison and would not trade it for anything. But be aware, since GM dropped the 3/4 ton the values have jumped significantly.

Isn't the 2500HD the 3/4 ton?

 

[Centerfield]

I have a 2015 SLT, 4wd w/HD pkg. It has easily handled 4x4 roads in CO with deep ruts, uneven at times, rocks, pretty deep mud, even crossing rivers that are about midway up the tire. I removed the OEM tires and put on Michelin ATs and they have been great. They do pick up some lose gravel as others have mentioned in reviews of the tires but it's not a big deal. I've yet to bottom out or scrape the bottom but have scraped the silly plastic guard in the front but it's not a big deal. I've considered removing it.

Even Jeep owners have been impressed with how far into the mountains we've been able to go. I'm a former LR4 owner and the Yukon certainly can't compete but I've been impressed at how much it can handle especially given the long wheel base. Hope this helps.

 

[HAARubicon]

Isn't the 2500HD the 3/4 ton?

GM dropped the 3/4 ton Suburban, that is what I was referring to. the 2500HD is the truck. I believe GM made a huge mistake dropping the 3/4 ton Suburban/Yukon XL, but unfortunately they don't build vehicles just for me.

 

[george_cramer_1980]

they need to bring back the 3/4 ton and ditch the coil spring rear suspension, and bring back the diesel as an option for them. make them a real truck again!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[olyelr]

GM dropped the 3/4 ton Suburban, that is what I was referring to. the 2500HD is the truck. I believe GM made a huge mistake dropping the 3/4 ton Suburban/Yukon XL, but unfortunately they don't build vehicles just for me.

Is it written in stone that they won't produce them anymore? It usually takes them a year or two to get the 2500 into production.