2017 Yukon XL transmission

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

hockeyguy

TYF Newbie
Joined
Oct 12, 2020
Posts
19
Reaction score
4
I am considering buying a 2017 Yukon XL but I have been warned to stay away as the 8 speed transmission cannot handle the 6.2 V8. I may tow a camper once or twice/yr. Wondering if you have thoughts on this combination or should I look at 6.2 with 10 speed or earlier model year 5.3 with 6 speed?
 

mb1500

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Posts
330
Reaction score
307
Denali is 6.2. Anything else is 5.3. It’s not that the 8 speed can’t handle the power it’s just a problematic transmission. The 6 speed is better. The 10 speed is better. If you’re getting a Denali I would get the 10 speed. If you’re not getting a Denali than they’re all 5.3 / 6 speed MY 15-20 so get whatever is in the best condition. Typically the 2018-2020 is recommended.
 

Blackcar

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2018
Posts
665
Reaction score
567
How many miles on vehicle and are you able to see Service records.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
23,968
Reaction score
35,200
Location
Stockton, Ca.
funny thing I noticed the dealers doing online, if it's a 6 speed it will say "6 speed" if it's a 10 speed it will say "10 speed" if it's a 8 speed they will say "automatic transmission" lol
 
OP
OP
H

hockeyguy

TYF Newbie
Joined
Oct 12, 2020
Posts
19
Reaction score
4
How many miles on vehicle and are you able to see Service records.
Most of the 2017 models I'm looking at are around the 90k range. Also, only looking at Denalis. I can service records on some through car fax. Would a dealer be able to share service records with me?
 
OP
OP
H

hockeyguy

TYF Newbie
Joined
Oct 12, 2020
Posts
19
Reaction score
4
Denali is 6.2. Anything else is 5.3. It’s not that the 8 speed can’t handle the power it’s just a problematic transmission. The 6 speed is better. The 10 speed is better. If you’re getting a Denali I would get the 10 speed. If you’re not getting a Denali than they’re all 5.3 / 6 speed MY 15-20 so get whatever is in the best condition. Typically the 2018-2020 is recommended.
So basically just stay away from 8 speed
 

Blackcar

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2018
Posts
665
Reaction score
567
Most of the 2017 models I'm looking at are around the 90k range. Also, only looking at Denalis. I can service records on some through car fax. Would a dealer be able to share service records with me?
Yes, they should be able to show service records,
 

B-train

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2022
Posts
1,958
Reaction score
3,280
The 8 speed is a decent trans. It just requires the CORRECT fluid to work properly. Look for a vehicle that has maintenance records of transmission repairs or maintenance. Usually these will either mean it had the TSB fluid change done, was replaced, or serviced properly. I've had the 8 speed shudder at 42k. Flushed it with correct fluid and kept up on 40k intervals and it's been a good unit so far.

That being said, if your budget allows for a newer truck with the 10 speed,g go for it. I've only heard good things about them. Buttery smooth, fast as hell
 

lbenson

Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2021
Posts
76
Reaction score
53
After having a Denali with the 8 speed and now having one with the 10 speed, skip right over the 8 speed and get one with the 10 speed. My 10 speed is 100x better than the 8 speed I had and do not anticipate my 10 speed failing, like my 8 speed did at 175k miles (even with the proper TSB fluid).

10 speed shifts significantly better. No clunky 8 speed up or downshifts anymore.

Since you're already looking at 17 Denalis... I'd buck up and get then 18 with the 10 speed. You'll thank yourself later down the road, especially if you plan on keeping it for 100s of thousands of miles.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
129,595
Posts
1,818,611
Members
92,860
Latest member
bl74

Latest posts

Top