Want to take my 2010 Yukon XL Denali with 180,000 miles for a family trip from Michigan To Florida - Can you help me make this a success!

[Fless]

Is that a side view looking to the left in the Tahoe & non XL / ESV Yuke & Esky?

I think GM put the jack in the forward / top (removable) bin on the NNBS XL trucks so you have to fold down the p/s 3rd row seat after pulling the recessed bin cover off.

You do get the advantage of having a side storage bin with a cover where the Tahoe usually has its jack stored but you pay the price when it comes time to access the jack and tools in an XL.

A quick look shows the Esky shorty’s have their jack stowed next to the base of the 3rd row seat after the cover on top is removed. It works, but you’re SOL if there’s luggage or dogs back there at 3am on a rainy night. Knock on wood.

View attachment 411506

Sorry if going off topic on a Vac prep thread. I can’t remember on our 06 YXL Denali if the jack was in same place as 07-14 but GM did put it in the panel next to the lift gate on the NBS Tahoe & Yuke shortys on # 16 below

Yes, the diagram I showed is for a GMT800 Tahoe in the left rear inside quarter panel.

Here's the one for a 2012 Yukon XL (still only wing nuts and jack knob holding it in place):

 

[donjetman]

Whenever we travel we carry the lite little 1.5 ton aluminum Harbor freight floor jack, 22mm socket, and breaker bar.

 

[bobby2175]

I can't thank you all enough for all of this information. When I made my original post, I thought maybe I'd get a response or two, but seeing the evolution of this post - you all are amazing.

My plan is to get into this the weekend of the 28th because I'm going to be on the road for a couple of weeks for work, and have to finish one outside house project before it gets really cold up here. I'm fortunate to have a heated garage, so I can push the truck PM a little...but my vacation clock is ticking, so I really have to get moving on it.

I'm going to do pretty much everything we've touched on in this thread - heater hoses, Ts, coolant reservoir, radiator hoses, radiator, serpentine (maybe after I take a closer look when I get it off), AC belt, clean MAF, and then see where I go from there. I'm feeling good about everything except the radiator swap and the AC belt - those feel a little intimidating and I haven't really found the right videos and a few additional ones looking to verify steps.

I was thinking about how to do this and was feeling like I start at the back and work myself forwards - start at the heater core, Ts, reservoir, all hoses, water pump, and then to the radiator? Does that make sense?

While I have all of the heater/coolant system apart, should I be considering anything else? Would it make any of the other fluid changes easier? Like I mentioned before, I'm good with putting some money into this.

I'm currently on my second tank of gas with Berrymans B12 and have enough for 3 more tanks. have not yet seen an improvement in idle quality.

On my list still beyond what we've talked about here in no particular order:
1. Big 3 upgrade? Have to research this much more because I don't fully understand it, but I believe I can do this by keeping all existing electrical and then add some of the biggger cables on top? Even with what I've done on electrical, I'm still getting some phantom issues periodically - just not major ones, so I feel like I need to do more to upgrade my grounds and may have to look at that mega fuse.
2. O2 sensor
3. I have a couple of blown speakers and contemplating an audio system upgrade before the trip. This will require a lot of research as I really haven't done car audio before. Have the factory Bose system, rear video screen/DVD player, but I'd love to change out the factory head unit - just don't like it's functionality.
4. My air suspension is not functioning - I don't hear the compressor anymore like I used to and when I put a few suitcases in the back, the truck sags a lot. I get some intermittent service suspension system warnings on the dash, so I'm assuming it's related.

Please feel free to comment on anything here - I'm a thinker, so I'll have a couple of weeks to noodle on all of this.

I truly am grateful for everything you all have done to get me started. Because of how awesome this experience has been, I've also become a supporting member here! Thanks again!

 

[adventurenali92]

I can't thank you all enough for all of this information. When I made my original post, I thought maybe I'd get a response or two, but seeing the evolution of this post - you all are amazing.

My plan is to get into this the weekend of the 28th because I'm going to be on the road for a couple of weeks for work, and have to finish one outside house project before it gets really cold up here. I'm fortunate to have a heated garage, so I can push the truck PM a little...but my vacation clock is ticking, so I really have to get moving on it.

I'm going to do pretty much everything we've touched on in this thread - heater hoses, Ts, coolant reservoir, radiator hoses, radiator, serpentine (maybe after I take a closer look when I get it off), AC belt, clean MAF, and then see where I go from there. I'm feeling good about everything except the radiator swap and the AC belt - those feel a little intimidating and I haven't really found the right videos and a few additional ones looking to verify steps.

I was thinking about how to do this and was feeling like I start at the back and work myself forwards - start at the heater core, Ts, reservoir, all hoses, water pump, and then to the radiator? Does that make sense?

While I have all of the heater/coolant system apart, should I be considering anything else? Would it make any of the other fluid changes easier? Like I mentioned before, I'm good with putting some money into this.

I'm currently on my second tank of gas with Berrymans B12 and have enough for 3 more tanks. have not yet seen an improvement in idle quality.

On my list still beyond what we've talked about here in no particular order:
1. Big 3 upgrade? Have to research this much more because I don't fully understand it, but I believe I can do this by keeping all existing electrical and then add some of the biggger cables on top? Even with what I've done on electrical, I'm still getting some phantom issues periodically - just not major ones, so I feel like I need to do more to upgrade my grounds and may have to look at that mega fuse.
2. O2 sensor
3. I have a couple of blown speakers and contemplating an audio system upgrade before the trip. This will require a lot of research as I really haven't done car audio before. Have the factory Bose system, rear video screen/DVD player, but I'd love to change out the factory head unit - just don't like it's functionality.
4. My air suspension is not functioning - I don't hear the compressor anymore like I used to and when I put a few suitcases in the back, the truck sags a lot. I get some intermittent service suspension system warnings on the dash, so I'm assuming it's related.

Please feel free to comment on anything here - I'm a thinker, so I'll have a couple of weeks to noodle on all of this.

I truly am grateful for everything you all have done to get me started. Because of how awesome this experience has been, I've also become a supporting member here! Thanks again!

Just a few thoughts for you. Everything sounds good and this preventative maintenance items will give you plenty of stress relief on your trip! Working from front to back is a solid plan under the hood. 1. When you source a radiator be mi drill on non OEM units. I’ve never had issues with aftermarket and the one that’s currently on my truck is aftermarket and has seen some serious abuse in the last couple years with it installed. Only thing to be on the lookout for with the radiator replacement is to verify that if you go aftermarket make sure there’s a restrictive valve built into the top coolant hose inlet on the radiator. If that’s not present too much coolant flows into the radiator from the surge reservoir and it will prevent the truck getting up to and staying at operating temperature. Will definitely cause issues with cold weather setting in. Some aftermarket brand radiators have the redirect or valve in pace and some don’t. I purchased my radiator from 1800 radiators and it works perfectly. Several trips towing boats up and down the mountain I live on, taking my moms boat out to lake Mojave in Laughlin, Nevada where it’s 120 degrees outside in the middle of June during the day. A trip this last summer to just north of Salt Lake City and the 12 mile stretch on I-15 from mesquite Arizona, across the virgin river canyon bridge, under construction and two and a half hour traffic back up to get through, truck basically idled through that 12 miles, AC on full blast and 108 degree outside temp. Through all of it truck hasn’t had any temperature or cooling system issues. So 1800 radiators is definitely a good aftermarket brand. If OEM isn’t in the budge just be on the look out and ask about the restrictor valve. Of course OEM radiators won’t give any issues but I hear they’re big $$$.

2. Rear suspension on the Z55 equipped trucks is a common failure point beyond 100k. The air bladders around the shocks rear, leak air out, and then the compressor burns itself out trying to constantly run to keep the shocks filled. A few suitcases in the back shouldn’t cause sag so that’s a good sign of the shocks being warm and the air bladders not holding air. If the compressor doesn’t run at all that’s a good indication of it being burnt out. However easily remedy-able. You have two options. Depending on how you use the truck. Buy standard passive (non electronically dampened) non air assist shocks, resistors to fool the ride control computer, and the non air ride rear coil springs and do away with air suspension. If you don’t tow anything this is a viable option. It’s not a whole lot cheaper and from what I’ve read leaves a lot to be desired ride quality wise. But if you regulary haul people, luggage on said vacations, or tow, keeping the Z55 suspension is worth it. So you can go option two and get the replacement air assist shocks and compressor. This is the route I would recommend. It keeps the ride control the way it was designed from the factory, which is pretty damn good for a rig this size to ride as nice as it does on air assist shocks that are electronically dampened. It’s not terribly expensive, but not cheap either, but so totally worth it to go this route. Suncore is a brand that I have heard others mention here that makes replacement Z55 shocks for our trucks. It’s a cheaper option. And some guys have had good results. In my opinion the way to go is the Arnott industries brand replacement rear shocks. They are the leading brand and from what I understand remanufacture and reengineer air shacks for many different makes and models with the products for GM SUVs being the flagship shocks they offer. They offer a passive replacement option and a full OEM equivalent electronically dampened air shock setup as well. The passive versions are a tad bit cheaper. I have the passive ones on my 2006 and they ride great and have been in my truck I believe since 2018 with no issues. I got them from another member here and they were virtually new. Scored a H-E-L-L of a deal on front and rear shocks with the fronts being the OEM replacement and the rears passive Arnott shocks and couldn’t pass it up. Otherwise I would have gone with the electronically dampened version. I kinda wish I had them but I have no complaints about the performance or the ride quality of the passive shocks. Arnott does offer a compressor replacement, and Dorman makes a compressor replacement as well that’s a bit cheaper. From what I’ve read both brands can be hit or miss with failing, and everyone either swearing by one compressor or the other based on experiences. I replaced my compressor with a dorman unit and it’s been perfect since the replacement in 2018 with zero issue. There’s tons of threads here detailing the parts list, and walk throughs.
With what relaxing the shocks entails. I did the shock and compressor replacement in the driveway myself and it was pretty easy to do. I took an extra step and replaced the air lines going from the compressor to each shock just to be safe. Wasn’t necessary but I figured hey I’m in there may as well knock it out for extra peace of mind. @Joseph Garcia has great experience with the Z55 systems on these things as I believe he recently rebuilt the system on his 2007 Denali XL. He can correct me me if I’m wrong, but I think his truck had the Z55 delete done before he bought and he went back to the Z55 setup.

 

[Doubeleive]

it is a lot digest, note that if you decide to replace the rear shocks the rear ABS sensor harness sit's right above where the shock top bolt goes (BOTH SIDES) and IT is easy to "accidentally" knock the harness loose and you end up with a abs error, so just be sure to check the connectors after you are finished with the upper bolts.

 

[bobby2175]

Just a few thoughts for you. Everything sounds good and this preventative maintenance items will give you plenty of stress relief on your trip! Working from front to back is a solid plan under the hood. 1. When you source a radiator be mi drill on non OEM units. I’ve never had issues with aftermarket and the one that’s currently on my truck is aftermarket and has seen some serious abuse in the last couple years with it installed. Only thing to be on the lookout for with the radiator replacement is to verify that if you go aftermarket make sure there’s a restrictive valve built into the top coolant hose inlet on the radiator. If that’s not present too much coolant flows into the radiator from the surge reservoir and it will prevent the truck getting up to and staying at operating temperature. Will definitely cause issues with cold weather setting in. Some aftermarket brand radiators have the redirect or valve in pace and some don’t. I purchased my radiator from 1800 radiators and it works perfectly. Several trips towing boats up and down the mountain I live on, taking my moms boat out to lake Mojave in Laughlin, Nevada where it’s 120 degrees outside in the middle of June during the day. A trip this last summer to just north of Salt Lake City and the 12 mile stretch on I-15 from mesquite Arizona, across the virgin river canyon bridge, under construction and two and a half hour traffic back up to get through, truck basically idled through that 12 miles, AC on full blast and 108 degree outside temp. Through all of it truck hasn’t had any temperature or cooling system issues. So 1800 radiators is definitely a good aftermarket brand. If OEM isn’t in the budge just be on the look out and ask about the restrictor valve. Of course OEM radiators won’t give any issues but I hear they’re big $$$.

2. Rear suspension on the Z55 equipped trucks is a common failure point beyond 100k. The air bladders around the shocks rear, leak air out, and then the compressor burns itself out trying to constantly run to keep the shocks filled. A few suitcases in the back shouldn’t cause sag so that’s a good sign of the shocks being warm and the air bladders not holding air. If the compressor doesn’t run at all that’s a good indication of it being burnt out. However easily remedy-able. You have two options. Depending on how you use the truck. Buy standard passive (non electronically dampened) non air assist shocks, resistors to fool the ride control computer, and the non air ride rear coil springs and do away with air suspension. If you don’t tow anything this is a viable option. It’s not a whole lot cheaper and from what I’ve read leaves a lot to be desired ride quality wise. But if you regulary haul people, luggage on said vacations, or tow, keeping the Z55 suspension is worth it. So you can go option two and get the replacement air assist shocks and compressor. This is the route I would recommend. It keeps the ride control the way it was designed from the factory, which is pretty damn good for a rig this size to ride as nice as it does on air assist shocks that are electronically dampened. It’s not terribly expensive, but not cheap either, but so totally worth it to go this route. Suncore is a brand that I have heard others mention here that makes replacement Z55 shocks for our trucks. It’s a cheaper option. And some guys have had good results. In my opinion the way to go is the Arnott industries brand replacement rear shocks. They are the leading brand and from what I understand remanufacture and reengineer air shacks for many different makes and models with the products for GM SUVs being the flagship shocks they offer. They offer a passive replacement option and a full OEM equivalent electronically dampened air shock setup as well. The passive versions are a tad bit cheaper. I have the passive ones on my 2006 and they ride great and have been in my truck I believe since 2018 with no issues. I got them from another member here and they were virtually new. Scored a H-E-L-L of a deal on front and rear shocks with the fronts being the OEM replacement and the rears passive Arnott shocks and couldn’t pass it up. Otherwise I would have gone with the electronically dampened version. I kinda wish I had them but I have no complaints about the performance or the ride quality of the passive shocks. Arnott does offer a compressor replacement, and Dorman makes a compressor replacement as well that’s a bit cheaper. From what I’ve read both brands can be hit or miss with failing, and everyone either swearing by one compressor or the other based on experiences. I replaced my compressor with a dorman unit and it’s been perfect since the replacement in 2018 with zero issue. There’s tons of threads here detailing the parts list, and walk throughs.
With what relaxing the shocks entails. I did the shock and compressor replacement in the driveway myself and it was pretty easy to do. I took an extra step and replaced the air lines going from the compressor to each shock just to be safe. Wasn’t necessary but I figured hey I’m in there may as well knock it out for extra peace of mind. @Joseph Garcia has great experience with the Z55 systems on these things as I believe he recently rebuilt the system on his 2007 Denali XL. He can correct me me if I’m wrong, but I think his truck had the Z55 delete done before he bought and he went back to the Z55 setup.

How critical is this to replace - can I just make the drive to Florida with the rear sagging the entire way and not have any issues?

 

[bobby2175]

if you buy the ac belt from the dealer it comes with the belt tool, same if you buy a water pump from the dealer it comes complete with the thermostat.
you can get a discount from the dealer parts department you just have to ask them. If they wont give a discount go to another dealer.

So, I called the dealer today and asked about the AC belt and the belt tool and they told me only the belt - no tool. If I don't get the tool - is this an impossible job? Any recommendations?

 

[Doubeleive]

So, I called the dealer today and asked about the AC belt and the belt tool and they told me only the belt - no tool. If I don't get the tool - is this an impossible job? Any recommendations?

tell them p/n 19210691
you can order it from rockauto, amazon, etc for around $38 plus tax
lisle makes a tool as well but the gm tool is better

 

[adventurenali92]

How critical is this to replace - can I just make the drive to Florida with the rear sagging the entire way and not have any issues?

It will really depends on how worn the shock itself is. When mine were blown there wasn’t any sagging in the rear end when loaded so the shock themselves were still doing their job to keep the truck handling somewhat proper. But if your shocks are allowing the truck to sag I’d venture a guess that the shocks themselves are now tired and are compressing more than they should and not re extended as much as they need to. It sounds like the shocks aren’t making the truck undriveable, so not tackling it before the trip probably won’t kill the truck. That will ultimately be a judgment call on whether or not it gets handled before the trip.

 

[bobby2175]

tell them p/n 19210691
you can order it from rockauto, amazon, etc for around $38 plus tax
lisle makes a tool as well but the gm tool is better

Thank you! I called them, they confirmed the part number and confirmed the tool comes in the kit!