FERM I got a GM Question for ya
 

So I have been looking at 07-09 Suburban/Yukon XL's and found a couple I like, my only concern is some of the Denali XL's have the AWD system vs 4WD the Chevy's have. Do you know anything about the AWD setup? I have always been a 4WD kind of person, I don't like the ideat that it is always on and I don't have an option to drop into 4Low. The AWD ones do come with either the 6.0 or 6.2 and are the 6 speed tranny, so there are advantages to going with it. Thoughts?

-Svence

one difference the AWD is the front diff is locked in full time with a pin vs. the 4WD has actuator that locks the front diff in. same front end just the type of locking. personally i'd rather have the 4WD due to gas mileage.

i have a break down at home showing both drivetrains both same mostly all but the front is locked in 24/7.

this link may help too

http://www.cdxetextbook.com/trans/fi...ts/4wdawd.html

the 4wd use this to lock in and out

http://image12.bizrate-images.com/re...uid=1040179318

or

http://image12.bizrate-images.com/re...uid=1040179308

awd use this to stay locked in

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/wcs...4_pri_mini.jpg

Thanks skools. I think I am leaning toward the 4WD, but the 6.2L is a beast and would be nice to drive. Although, the 6.2 with AWD would probably put me in the low teens as far as MPG...ouch.

-Svence

i looked at a 07 GMC truck with the AWD and the 6.2 it was rated @ 12 city 14 hwy i said no thanks lol

The 6.2L is a HP BEAST coming in at over 400HP in stock trim(and can be tuned to MUCH more). Most of them are also backed up by the new 6 speed auto that is an all new design(6L80E that is an all clutch pack unit like most of your euro deigned trans now have). As for the AWD, I'm not real familiar with the newer systems. Some of the older ones still used a CAD in the front end, but I have been told the new ones got rid of it. I do know that front diff failures have become common place now at around 80K miles in the AWD units as many of the DENALI and ESCALADE people HATE THEM WITH A PASSION! The transfer case's are also a pretty oddball unit and require the special SMURF oil be run in them and changed every 15K miles IIRC. It uses a hydraulicly actuated but electronically triggered clutch system in them to fully engage the front differentail even though it spins whenever the AWD is active. It is a nice unit for those who can't remember to turn 4X4 on when it is needed, but I persoanally like being able to decide when to turn it on.

I think the AWD is out, bummer as that is the only setup with the 6.2L. I think I am going to end up with the 5.3 and 3.73 combo. It is the most popular and easiest to come by. If a 6.0 comes up, should I jump on it for a little more cash or not really worth waiting around, spending more for it?

-Svence

I had a pick up with 6.0 and 4.10 gears, now i have a Suburban 5.3 with 3.73 and it is day and night. The 6.0 had a lot more torque and i was burning less fuel.

The 6.0 is a NICE engine, and has proven itself reliable. A friend of mine has an 05 6.0L in his 3500 and has about 200K on it with nothing but oil changes, a few air filters, 2 sets of tires, and an alternator. It has been one of the best trucks he's ever had. All of the newer V-8's are based off of the proven LS design, and all are good engines. the 5.3L is a good engine and will probably get you slightly better milage, but I have heard the the DOD system is about useless in them as they rarely go to 4 cylinders when at true highway speeds.

Well if anyone sees an 07-09, 4WD, leather, bench seat, heated front seats, <40K miles for around $35K, let me know!

There are a bunch in the area but the combo I am looking for is tough to come by. All the leather and heated seats have captains in the rear, which is a no go.

-Svence

Can't you get one like that and change the seats to bench?

My wife's older suburban had the bench seat and she and i have the one with captains and is MUCH easier to go to the back third row seat, the only draw back is that is only seven passenger instead of eight.