New-to-Me '21 Yukon XL - Maintenance and Mod and questions

[Stewmatic]

Hi all,
I recently picked up a used 2021 Yukon XL, and I’m excited about it so far! It came with some fresh updates, including:
- New tires
- Brake pads
- Rotors
- Oil change
- Windshield wipers

I’ve put about 3,000 miles on it since buying it, and it’s been treating me great. That said, I’ve been reading up on AFM/DFM deletes and am interested in getting it done. I’m in Massachusetts—does anyone know of a reliable local tuner who could help me with this? Recommendations would be awesome.

I’ve already taken care of some maintenance myself:
- Flushed the transmission fluid
- Replaced front/rear differential fluids
- Serviced the transfer case

Next up, I’m looking to flush the coolant and brake fluid. I’m not much of a DIY guy, so I’d prefer to have a shop handle these. Any idea what I should expect to pay for these services in terms of reasonable costs?

Looking ahead, I’m anticipating the need to replace the struts and suspension at some point. I’ve heard good things about Bilstein as an aftermarket option—any thoughts on that or other reliable replacements people recommend?

Lastly, any general tips or mods to help this truck last a long time? I’d love to keep it running strong for years to come.

Thanks in advance

 

[jfoj]

Sounds like you get the idea that Maintence can help a vehicle last longer and are doing a lot of the right things to help eliminate future probems. How many miles were on the truck when you purchased it?

As for DFM delete on this generation of engine, it cannot really be "tuned" out. There are aftermarket modules you can get, I suggest the Range Technology module, simple 15 minute install and around $250 and also disabled the Auto Stop/Start feature as well.

For folks with 6.2l "Range Anxiety" not to be confused wih the Range Technology DFM bypass module. Not how long between fuel fill ups, but how long between engine replacements. I would read my comments here

6.2l Range Anxiety

 

[Stewmatic]

Thank you, whats interesting there is no auto start stop feature on my 5.3 Yukon XL. I am just realizing that now. To answer your question your question 94,000

 

[jfoj]

You probably have a "Chip Shortage" version since it is a 2021 model.

Cannot say for sure, you would need to research and/or use a more advanced scan tool to check to see if the DFM is actually functional as well. Some of the "Chip Shortage" trucks also did not have the DFM active. The engine had all the parts, but the ECM did not have the proper chips to operate the feature, so GM basically programmed it out of some of the 2021 models.

You may not need to get a DFM disabler, but you need to check your vehicle to figure out if it has already been disabled.

 

[Airman68]

I bought a generic AFM disabler from amazon for $59 bucks, it has worked flawlessly for years. I had the Range unit on one of my trucks and would stop working every so often, so I had to unplug and re-plug again to reset. Either way, it's a great idea. Little to no MPG difference.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

You probably have a "Chip Shortage" version since it is a 2021 model.

Cannot say for sure, you would need to research and/or use a more advanced scan tool to check to see if the DFM is actually functional as well. Some of the "Chip Shortage" trucks also did not have the DFM active. The engine had all the parts, but the ECM did not have the proper chips to operate the feature, so GM basically programmed it out of some of the 2021 models.

You may not need to get a DFM disabler, but you need to check your vehicle to figure out if it has already been disabled.

They never deleted the DFM from the SUV's, that was a pickup only deletion.
They did have several that had the auto stop/start delete.
You can look up the original window sticker using your VIN and see what it says. Or you can ask your dealer to run the Vehicle History and get you the build sheet. It lists every RPO that your vehicle has.

 

[KMeloney]

I bought a generic AFM disabler from amazon for $59 bucks, it has worked flawlessly for years. I had the Range unit on one of my trucks and would stop working every so often, so I had to unplug and re-plug again to reset. Either way, it's a great idea. Little to no MPG difference.

Currently, for the '21+ SUVs, there's only the option of the Range unit that plugs in under the truck/inboard of the front left tire, or the CarByte unit that plugs in under the dash. Each apparently operates a little differently than the other.

I had a Range in my '09 Tahoe, and it worked just fine.