Tahoe or Denali to build

[AZ_Native]

I'm shopping for a "budget" 2001-2005 Tahoe to build a fun, daily driver. Thinking bolt ons, cam, tune, a 2/4 drop kit.

I just stumbled on a 2002 Denali (not xl) in my price range (under $3k) with 160k miles.

Any reason I shouldn't get a Denali?

Pros-?
Awd, 6.0, 4l65e, upgraded speakers,

Cons-?
More maintence, slightly worse mpg, heavier?

If price, condition, etc were similar would you guys prefer a Tahoe or a denali? Why?

 

[Countryboy07]

Denali, already starting with a better motor/transmission. Weight wouldn't be any different between Tahoe and Denali as they are the exact same vehicle with exception of the trim package

 

[#1taho]

I would do the Denali @Countryboy07 said the up grades give you a jump start.

All though 6.0L swap in a taho isn’t that bad either. Depends on your preference. I did the swap. And researching the 4L80 swap now

 

[AZ_Native]

Sounds like sense to me!

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I'm shopping for a "budget" 2001-2005 Tahoe to build a fun, daily driver. Thinking bolt ons, cam, tune, a 2/4 drop kit.

I just stumbled on a 2002 Denali (not xl) in my price range (under $3k) with 160k miles.

Any reason I shouldn't get a Denali?

Pros-?
Awd, 6.0, 4l65e, upgraded speakers,

Cons-?
More maintence, slightly worse mpg, heavier?

If price, condition, etc were similar would you guys prefer a Tahoe or a denali? Why?

Some guys (me included) think of the Denali AWD as a con. I like to tell my truck when it's going to use 4 wheels.

 

[adventurenali92]

As @HiHoeSilver stated some say the AWD in the Denali can be a con. But the AWD differential in that 2002 Denali is pretty impressive, from what I understand. I don’t know the specifics, but I know it was built well and can take a beating, and it is different from the AWD differential in the 2003-2006 models. Anyways, I do like having a selectable transfer case, but I haven’t met a situation that the AWD in my 2006 Denali couldn’t handle yet. And it handles quite well in the non snow conditions, especially up and down the windy mountain roads that take me to the ski town I live in and I like that aspect. Lots of pros on the Denali.

 

[drowssap]

Can a 02 diff be swapped into the 03+?

 

[Knope]

I'm shopping for a "budget" 2001-2005 Tahoe to build a fun, daily driver. Thinking bolt ons, cam, tune, a 2/4 drop kit.

I just stumbled on a 2002 Denali (not xl) in my price range (under $3k) with 160k miles.

Any reason I shouldn't get a Denali?

Pros-?
Awd, 6.0, 4l65e, upgraded speakers,

Cons-?
More maintence, slightly worse mpg, heavier?

If price, condition, etc were similar would you guys prefer a Tahoe or a denali? Why?

I've heard of some issues with the front diff (or something in the front end) of the AWD systems on Denalis, but if everything is fully functional...DENALI ALL DAY. Can't beat the looks of a Denali in the NBS.

As you can see in my profile pic, I'm driving a Yukon with a modded-to-Denali front end. Full Disclosure- I am a bit biased.

 

[drowssap]

As you can see in my profile pic, I'm driving a Yukon with a modded-to-Denali front end. Full Disclosure- I am a bit biased.

I have been contemplating this with my yukon. Afterwards I would try to have some new badges created and call it fauxnali!

 

[Knope]

I have been contemplating this with my yukon. Afterwards I would try to have some new badges created and call it fauxnali!

I've got all the side moldings to make the conversion complete, but still need the rear bumper and side steps. I wouldn't feel terrible about putting a Denali badge on it since it was a fully loaded SLT model. I actually consider the drivetrain better than a Denali since I have the option of 2WD, 4HI, 4LO, or AWD.