Is AWD just a bad design?
- Thread starter humbo
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Rangel
Full Access Member
This is why I excluded the Denali from my search when I was looking for my burb.
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livingez_123
Full Access Member
52 is not too old to be doing your own work. I have had 5 back surgeries and one of the was a 3 level fusion. I still do my own work, but I have to pace myself and let the equipment do the lifting. The key is to work smarter not harder. Yes it does take me a bit longer to do stuff, but I enjoy it too much to stop. when I start to get sore, I stop for a while and let things relax. Then do it all again.
livingez_123
Full Access Member
Denali and Burbs use a different front diff, the burb has a part time diff and the Denali is full time. The main difference is the right side diff housing.
thechevyman
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Come on....
I have an 03 Denail XL and would keep it over any 1/2 ton Suburban with a 5.3 and 4l60e.
The Denali comes with the 6.0L and the stronger 4l65e trans but still has the softer ride of a 1500.
The front differential is a minimal issue. The constant load on the front pinion becasue of the AWD does wear out the carrier bearings faster. Change the front diff oil offten 20k miles or so, It will last ou 100k easy.
I had mine rebuilt at 105k miles. Cost me $850 but seems like a minimal repair for a 12 year old vehicle. only major repair I have ever done to it.
I do most of my maintenance myself but pulling the front diff out on the garage floor and not having tools to set the bearings up correctly made me decide to have mine rebuilt at a shop. plus 1 year 12k mile warranty if the put something together wrong.
The Denall and Escalade AWD sytems arn't bad. They do require maintenance earlier.
But if you have a Tahoe/Yukon and leave it in Auto 4x4 mode at all time. Your gonna be in the same boat as the Denali owners.
I have an 03 Denail XL and would keep it over any 1/2 ton Suburban with a 5.3 and 4l60e.
The Denali comes with the 6.0L and the stronger 4l65e trans but still has the softer ride of a 1500.
The front differential is a minimal issue. The constant load on the front pinion becasue of the AWD does wear out the carrier bearings faster. Change the front diff oil offten 20k miles or so, It will last ou 100k easy.
I had mine rebuilt at 105k miles. Cost me $850 but seems like a minimal repair for a 12 year old vehicle. only major repair I have ever done to it.
I do most of my maintenance myself but pulling the front diff out on the garage floor and not having tools to set the bearings up correctly made me decide to have mine rebuilt at a shop. plus 1 year 12k mile warranty if the put something together wrong.
The Denall and Escalade AWD sytems arn't bad. They do require maintenance earlier.
But if you have a Tahoe/Yukon and leave it in Auto 4x4 mode at all time. Your gonna be in the same boat as the Denali owners.
SLCHOE
ASE Master Certified + (L1)
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thechevyman
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The transfer case is different but carrier bearings that wear out in the front differential are still going to have the same failure.
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