Newer Suburban or Yukon XL Questions

[hairscramlber]

Hi all, longtime Chevy / GMC Suburban / Tahoe/ Yukon and pickup owner. I am looking to replace my 2005 suburban 1500 4x4 with the 4 speed and 5.3 ltr motor with a newer Suburban or Yukon XL. I am looking around a 2012 and have about a budget of 25K -30K. I really want the 6.2 ltr but it looks like that only comes in the Yukon XL Denali. With that motor it looks like its only available in AWD instead of a regular 4 wheel drive that you can use it in 2 wheel drive. Is this true ?? I am thinking if it is, then I must go with the 5.3 ltr ?? I only use 4 wheel drive in the snow and only tow my boat and camper, both around 5000 lbs on the weekends. I welcome all suggestions and recommendations as to which package I should get and suggestions as to what to get and or stay away from. Thanks all for any help you can give me.

 

[kbuskill]

You can get a 6.2l in the Suburban but they are super rare.

 

[adventurenali92]

Unless you find a 6.2 suburban, they only came in the Denali package yukons and the escalade models. The AWD setup in the Denali is pretty nice. I have AWD in my 2006 Denali XL, and it's gets through the snow with no problems. It's extremely capable in the snow and my Denali XL tows very nicely. The 6.0 that I have has quite a bit more power than the 5.3. The 6.2 in the newer Denali is very nice. The,power it has is awesome. You wouldn't be disappointed in a snow scenario or a towing scenario with a Denali. There is an option for a 6.0L V8 in the 2007-2014 3/4 ton 2500 suburban and Yukon XL. Those came in 4WD and not AWD. That might be another option to look into.

 

[hairscramlber]

Looked hi and low for a decent 2500 burb with the 6.0 or 6.2 but no luck. Rare bird. Although I love the bigger motor and have a 6.2 in my 2010 GMC Sierra P/U, I never really had complaints with the 5.3 in my 2005 Burb even though it has a 4 speed trans VS the 2011 6 speed so I should be fine. Cost of the yearly saving on premium fuel for the 6.2 and the AWD vs the 4 wheel drive 5.3 should save me 150 miles a tank full and probably average well over 2000 dollars a year on fuel saving.

 

[hairscramlber]

You can get a 6.2l in the Suburban but they are super rare.

Your right, I looked hi and low and could not find the right combo.

 

[MichaelSE]

You can get a 6.2l in the Suburban but they are super rare.

I don't believe the 6.2 was ever put in Suburban, at least not GMT900. Suburban 1500s from 07-09 had the option of the aluminum block 6.0 L76 (that's what I have in my 09, great engine). They are very rare though. That option was discontinued in 2010 making the 5.3 the only engine for 2010-2014 1500 Suburbans.

2007-2013 2500 Suburbans all had iron block 6.0s. From 07-09 it was the LY6, from 10-13 it was the L96, same engine as the LY6 with VVT added, if I recall correctly. The 2500 was not produced in 2014.

 

[swathdiver]

Well, if you're towing around 5,000lbs and want a 4WD truck, then make sure it has the RPO code K5L (Enhanced Cooling Package) and maybe the JL1 (Integrated Trailer Brake Controller).

This will give you a GTWR of 7900lbs which will handle your towing needs as long as you're not running fully loaded (GVWR 7400lbs).

 

[MCAT069]

What is your radius for going to get one? There is an 2500 06 Burb here in Lubbock, Tx with the 8.1 for sell. I have an 04 with the 8.1 and it will tow anything you could possibly want.

 

[ken in md]

FWIW...Just towed across the country, southern route, with a 2010 Yukon XL Denali...and it did fine towing a 5k lb TT. Good. not GREAT, didn't love hills, but still manageable. I did add two large transmission coolers in place of the factory small one, and it did make a big difference. Trans stayed under 200 in all conditions over the 7100 mile roadtrip. Before it would quickly go over 200 often when towing.

Engine would still get hot on hills but by hot I mean 235-240, and would cool down pretty quick once at the top. I admit I am trading up to a Yukon XL 2500 just for peace of mind, but only because I found an awesome one. Denali is a very good choice and I would make the trip again with it...just looking for more so moving to the 2500.