DFW Newb-- 2011 Yukon XL 2500

[duckhunter175]

Another newbie from DFW! Bought my first non-truck two weeks ago (previously owned 1993 S10 ZR2, 2001 1500 Z71 and most recently 2015 Midnight Edition Z71 LTZ). Growing family has dictated some changes and since the Midnight was paid off it got traded for a new SUV for the wife, I'm now driving her 12 y/o sedan for work and I got approval to build up a badass family vehicle for ranch/camping/beach/hunting trips.

Snagged a very clean 2011 Yukon XL 2500 SLT (white exterior, titanium interior, 2nd row buckets), with 181k one owner Texas miles. Dash is cracked and driver door handle needs fixed (common issues as I understand).

I get out west 1-2x a year on extended backcountry hunting trips in AZ, CO, UT, WY but still want a good ride for the family. I don't have a crystal ball but I expect at some point to possibly tow a small camper or a trailer with a SxS and camp goodies.

Here is what is on order so far
1. Ranch Hand Grille Guard- https://www.ranchhand.com/grille-guard-ggc07tbl1.html
2. New front lights and HID 35w
3. Slumberjack roadhouse tarp and adjustable poles

Here are my thoughts (chronological?)
1. Plugs and Wires (NGK or E3?)
2. Mechanical to electric fan conversion
3. CAI and catback exhaust
4. Level kit (not opposed to a lift but don't see many for 2011 3/4 ton)
5. New wheels/tires (has factory 17" and TKO 265/70R17)- possibly bump to 18 or 20" with a tire that runs around 33" dia-- 275/70r18 or 285/60r20?)

What am I missing or what should come first?

Look forward to all the info!!

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon. Please post some pics of the rig.


We recommend that you put all your rig(s) info in your signature so we all don’t have to guess at year, make, model, engine size, trans, rear axle locker…….etc. While you may have posted pertinent info in your first post, you may forget to do it again and the info is needed by us anyway. Makes it way easier on all members that attempt to help, to have that info right up front. It is also recommended that you take a pic of your RPO codes, on the inside cover of the glove box, and post that image in your signature. All this info will greatly help those that will try to help with a problem.


If there is any other info, like upgrades, mods or recent mechanical/maintenance work done, that would be helpful in any post as well. Too many times a question is asked by the poster and after about 10 responses we find out that the poster has done recent work to attempt to fix the problem or work that was done that SEEMS not related to the problem.

 

[rgosart]

Another newbie from DFW! Bought my first non-truck two weeks ago (previously owned 1993 S10 ZR2, 2001 1500 Z71 and most recently 2015 Midnight Edition Z71 LTZ). Growing family has dictated some changes and since the Midnight was paid off it got traded for a new SUV for the wife, I'm now driving her 12 y/o sedan for work and I got approval to build up a badass family vehicle for ranch/camping/beach/hunting trips.

Snagged a very clean 2011 Yukon XL 2500 SLT (white exterior, titanium interior, 2nd row buckets), with 181k one owner Texas miles. Dash is cracked and driver door handle needs fixed (common issues as I understand).

I get out west 1-2x a year on extended backcountry hunting trips in AZ, CO, UT, WY but still want a good ride for the family. I don't have a crystal ball but I expect at some point to possibly tow a small camper or a trailer with a SxS and camp goodies.

Here is what is on order so far
1. Ranch Hand Grille Guard- https://www.ranchhand.com/grille-guard-ggc07tbl1.html
2. New front lights and HID 35w
3. Slumberjack roadhouse tarp and adjustable poles

Here are my thoughts (chronological?)
1. Plugs and Wires (NGK or E3?)
2. Mechanical to electric fan conversion
3. CAI and catback exhaust
4. Level kit (not opposed to a lift but don't see many for 2011 3/4 ton)
5. New wheels/tires (has factory 17" and TKO 265/70R17)- possibly bump to 18 or 20" with a tire that runs around 33" dia-- 275/70r18 or 285/60r20?)

What am I missing or what should come first?

Look forward to all the info!!

Stick to AC Delco plugs. No reason to go to NGK plugs on a Chevrolet.

I have newer 18" wheels with 275/70r18 KO2s and have been happy with them so far!

 

[Miami-Dade]

Welcome from Miami Beach Rudy! Your 2500 Yukon should work well for you.

Check out the 2011 section for any Questions you might have. Everybody there will point you in the right direction.

Another newbie from DFW! Bought my first non-truck two weeks ago (previously owned 1993 S10 ZR2, 2001 1500 Z71 and most recently 2015 Midnight Edition Z71 LTZ). Growing family has dictated some changes and since the Midnight was paid off it got traded for a new SUV for the wife, I'm now driving her 12 y/o sedan for work and I got approval to build up a badass family vehicle for ranch/camping/beach/hunting trips.

Snagged a very clean 2011 Yukon XL 2500 SLT (white exterior, titanium interior, 2nd row buckets), with 181k one owner Texas miles. Dash is cracked and driver door handle needs fixed (common issues as I understand).

I get out west 1-2x a year on extended backcountry hunting trips in AZ, CO, UT, WY but still want a good ride for the family. I don't have a crystal ball but I expect at some point to possibly tow a small camper or a trailer with a SxS and camp goodies.

Here is what is on order so far
1. Ranch Hand Grille Guard- https://www.ranchhand.com/grille-guard-ggc07tbl1.html
2. New front lights and HID 35w
3. Slumberjack roadhouse tarp and adjustable poles

Here are my thoughts (chronological?)
1. Plugs and Wires (NGK or E3?)
2. Mechanical to electric fan conversion
3. CAI and catback exhaust
4. Level kit (not opposed to a lift but don't see many for 2011 3/4 ton)
5. New wheels/tires (has factory 17" and TKO 265/70R17)- possibly bump to 18 or 20" with a tire that runs around 33" dia-- 275/70r18 or 285/60r20?)

What am I missing or what should come first?

Look forward to all the info!!

 

[duckhunter175]

 

[Miami-Dade]

Looks to be in excellent condition! Hopefully you got some service records with it.

 

[OR VietVet]

That rig does look sharp for sure.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who would love to help you spend your money.

I hope that you will be a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

 

[duckhunter175]

Thanks all! Excited to be here. Will definitely be sharing my experiences and updates as they happen. Learned a lot just lurking in here so figured it was time to sign up, share and learn more.

Have the auto check/carfax showing maintenance; all done at the same place for last 9 years!

 

[duckhunter175]

And it begins!