New to me pristine 11 Yukon XL Denali!

[tkdgirl]

Hey all! If everything checks out with my mechanic on Monday, I'll be adding a nearly pristine Gray 11 Yukon XL Denali to my family! Very excited as it's an upgrade from my 04 Hoe.

The engine and underside are in mint condition. No rust anywhere ( Cali car heading to MI). Other than a few scratches and the infamous cracked dash, it's nearly perfect.

What kids do you suggest? Really not a fan of the stock head/tail lights. Also thinking of the OBD AFM delete when I tow. What else?

 

[Bill 1960]

Nice find. Since it’s heading to MI my first “mod” would be on Fluid Film or WoolWax to keep the rust from ever getting a foothold.

AFM isn’t really a factor when towing because the load is too much for it to switch into 4 cylinder mode. It’s mostly going to operate cruising around unloaded.

I’d make my first spends on maintenance like having ALL the fluids changed, and then keep my money on the side for a few months to see what -if any- surprises pop up that need attention.

 

[gooffeyguy]

How many miles?

How much weight you plan on towing and how often?

Definitely change the trans fluid and filter. Might also consider upgrading the external trans cooler to a larger aftermarket one.

Also, if it doesn't have the built in break controller, install one.

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[tkdgirl]

How many miles?

How much weight you plan on towing and how often?

Definitely change the trans fluid and filter. Might also consider upgrading the external trans cooler to a larger aftermarket one.

Also, if it doesn't have the built in break controller, install one.

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114k.

Travel trailer less than 6k loaded. A few times a month, mostly within a few hours thankfully. Checking it over with my mechanic on Monday. Have my break controller from the Hoe in case I need it!

 

[tkdgirl]

Nice find. Since it’s heading to MI my first “mod” would be on Fluid Film or WoolWax to keep the rust from ever getting a foothold.

AFM isn’t really a factor when towing because the load is too much for it to switch into 4 cylinder mode. It’s mostly going to operate cruising around unloaded.

I’d make my first spends on maintenance like having ALL the fluids changed, and then keep my money on the side for a few months to see what -if any- surprises pop up that need attention.

Good advice. It's seeing my mechanic on Monday. Will check locally for the FF and WoolWax.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Hey all! If everything checks out with my mechanic on Monday, I'll be adding a nearly pristine Gray 11 Yukon XL Denali to my family! Very excited as it's an upgrade from my 04 Hoe.

The engine and underside are in mint condition. No rust anywhere ( Cali car heading to MI). Other than a few scratches and the infamous cracked dash, it's nearly perfect.

What kids do you suggest? Really not a fan of the stock head/tail lights. Also thinking of the OBD AFM delete when I tow. What else?

Welcome to the forum!

Lucky you to have a rust free truck! I’ll certainly be looking into what @Bill 1960 suggested for rust prevention on my wife’s non rusted Yukon.

Sounds like you already know about the lifter/camshaft problem with these AFM engines. I’ve decided to go ahead with the Range OBD disabler hopeful I caught it in time so the cam/lifters don’t ever need to be replaced.

I have Spyder Halo smoked headlights on my ‘07 that I would buy time and time again.

I love spending other people’s money, so I’ll suggest a big brake kit.

 

[tkdgirl]

Welcome to the forum!

Lucky you to have a rust free truck! I’ll certainly be looking into what @Bill 1960 suggested for rust prevention on my wife’s non rusted Yukon.

Sounds like you already know about the lifter/camshaft problem with these AFM engines. I’ve decided to go ahead with the Range OBD disabler hopeful I caught it in time so the cam/lifters don’t ever need to be replaced.

I have Spyder Halo smoked headlights on my ‘07 that I would buy time and time again.

I love spending other people’s money, so I’ll suggest a big brake kit.

Thanks for the headlight recommendation! They stock ones have never appealed to me. Tough call in smoked/black/chrome. The gray color with the chrome makes a true match really hard. Would love to delete some of the chrome on the body, actually. I'm used to tougher looking vehicles!

 

[iamdub]

Hey all! If everything checks out with my mechanic on Monday, I'll be adding a nearly pristine Gray 11 Yukon XL Denali to my family! Very excited as it's an upgrade from my 04 Hoe.

The engine and underside are in mint condition. No rust anywhere ( Cali car heading to MI). Other than a few scratches and the infamous cracked dash, it's nearly perfect.

What kids do you suggest? Really not a fan of the stock head/tail lights. Also thinking of the OBD AFM delete when I tow. What else?

Welcome and congrats on a (hopefully) mechanically sound family war wagon!

I don't know what rust is, but it sounds like you've gotten a handle on that with the recommendations from those experienced with it.

There aren't as many options for aftermarket headlight assemblies for the GMCs as there are for the Chevrolets. But, I believe there are all-black housings, where the inside part is black and the headlight is a projector instead of a reflector, so it is more ideal for HIDs.

Painting or wrapping the chrome bits to match the body color and/or making them black goes really well with a gray body and would certainly make it look tough. Gray body, colormatched trim, black wheels, mild front lift to level it with the rear, black or dark gray wheels with all-terrain LT tires... The tough looks would compliment its capability and sturdiness while still looking clean and civilized.

I'm all for the AFM disabling. GM upgraded the AFM components that started with (I think) the 2011 models. Or maybe it was a mid-year 2011 thing. Either way, you won't miss it and I'd still disable it to be on the safe side. However, I'd make it permanent and avoid the other potential issues that a plug-in module may present and have it tuned out. Either get a full custom tune, which would also improve many other aspects of the rig or just have the AFM disabled. You can send your PCM here: https://lt1swap.com/afm_delete.htm and have it turned off and be done with it for less than half the price of the plug-in module.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Thanks for the headlight recommendation! They stock ones have never appealed to me. Tough call in smoked/black/chrome. The gray color with the chrome makes a true match really hard. Would love to delete some of the chrome on the body, actually. I'm used to tougher looking vehicles!

There are black grill and lower grill kits available for about $180 on ebay. Unfortunately they don't come with a black hood edge trim piece, you'd have to paint or wrap the stock chrome one.

I didn't like the red GMC badges front and back so I swapped them to black. Front is easy, it just unclips/snaps off. Rear is stuck on, so have I used fishing line or dental floss behind it to remove it, then removed the rest of the adhesive with a 3m magic eraser wheel in my drill.

I switched to some Eagle Eyes U bar style projector headlights I found on ebay for $300. They're available in black or clear/chrome. I then found some Eagle Eyes C-bar LED taillights that match the styling pretty good with the headlights, they were $200

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-07-13-GMC-Yukon-Denali-Upper-Lower-Unpainted-Grill-Grille/371230303659

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Grill-Grille-Rear-Emblem-Badge-Black-Set-For-2007-2013-GMC-Yukon-XL-1500/193237877584?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Bar-For-2007-2014-GMC-Yukon-XL-Denali-BlackHalo-Projector-Headlights/274182362969?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Smoke-C-BAR-LED-Taillights-for-2007-2013-Chevy-Tahoe-Suburban-GMC-Yukon/293687892785?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

.

 

[tkdgirl]

There are black grill and lower grill kits available for about $180 on ebay. Unfortunately they don't come with a black hood edge trim piece, you'd have to paint or wrap the stock chrome one.

I didn't like the red GMC badges front and back so I swapped them to black. Front is easy, it just unclips/snaps off. Rear is stuck on, so have I used fishing line or dental floss behind it to remove it, then removed the rest of the adhesive with a 3m magic eraser wheel in my drill.

I switched to some Eagle Eyes U bar style projector headlights I found on ebay for $300. They're available in black or clear/chrome. I then found some Eagle Eyes C-bar LED taillights that match the styling pretty good with the headlights, they were $200

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-07-13-GMC-Yukon-Denali-Upper-Lower-Unpainted-Grill-Grille/371230303659

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Grill-Grille-Rear-Emblem-Badge-Black-Set-For-2007-2013-GMC-Yukon-XL-1500/193237877584?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Bar-For-2007-2014-GMC-Yukon-XL-Denali-BlackHalo-Projector-Headlights/274182362969?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Smoke-C-BAR-LED-Taillights-for-2007-2013-Chevy-Tahoe-Suburban-GMC-Yukon/293687892785?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

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Sharp. I have those bookmarked for mine!

 

[tkdgirl]

Welcome and congrats on a (hopefully) mechanically sound family war wagon!

I don't know what rust is, but it sounds like you've gotten a handle on that with the recommendations from those experienced with it.

There aren't as many options for aftermarket headlight assemblies for the GMCs as there are for the Chevrolets. But, I believe there are all-black housings, where the inside part is black and the headlight is a projector instead of a reflector, so it is more ideal for HIDs.

Painting or wrapping the chrome bits to match the body color and/or making them black goes really well with a gray body and would certainly make it look tough. Gray body, colormatched trim, black wheels, mild front lift to level it with the rear, black or dark gray wheels with all-terrain LT tires... The tough looks would compliment its capability and sturdiness while still looking clean and civilized.

I'm all for the AFM disabling. GM upgraded the AFM components that started with (I think) the 2011 models. Or maybe it was a mid-year 2011 thing. Either way, you won't miss it and I'd still disable it to be on the safe side. However, I'd make it permanent and avoid the other potential issues that a plug-in module may present and have it tuned out. Either get a full custom tune, which would also improve many other aspects of the rig or just have the AFM disabled. You can send your PCM here: https://lt1swap.com/afm_delete.htm and have it turned off and be done with it for less than half the price of the plug-in module.

Thanks for the link! It's on the list! Probably won't go for the tougher look until I need new tires. Previous owner out all new Michelins, breaks, rotors on not long before offering it up.

 

[petethepug]

Now press the OnStar button, get a free 90 subscription along with a OnStar phone # & free minutes. XM radio will do the same. Since it’s 2011 you can download the OnStar App to your phone and use it for remote start anywhere theres cell cover. It also shows diagnostics and fuel level.


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[iamdub]

Thanks for the link! It's on the list! Probably won't go for the tougher look until I need new tires. Previous owner out all new Michelins, breaks, rotors on not long before offering it up.

Definitely don't waste the Michelins. On that note, it sounds like they took extra good care of it aside from keeping it in cosmetically good condition. There are plenty of cheaper tire options than the Michelins, but the Michelins are one of the best you can buy. But, you have a list of other small, cheap and easy mods to do to keep it interesting until you're ready for new tires and/or wheels and tires.

 

[tkdgirl]

Now press the OnStar button, get a free 90 subscription along with a OnStar phone # & free minutes. XM radio will do the same. Since it’s 2011 you can download the OnStar App to your phone and use it for remote start anywhere theres cell cover. It also shows diagnostics and fuel level.


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Sweet! Thank you!!!

 

[TheBiznisKitty]

The fun is just beginning for you!! As far as mods go, the possibilities are endless.

I would recommend doing a cold air intake (cold air inductions is my favorite). Then I would go and do a flowmaster 40 series and resonator delete.

Headlight wise I have yet to find one I have fallen in love with but tail lights you can go with the Cadillac style one and it changes the look of your whole vehicle!! LED fog light pods are a must as well.

Interior wise I changed all my dome lights to LED’s and it makes the vehicle look 10 years newer.

I could go on and on about what to do or what I’d love to do to mine! Once you go down the rabbit hole you never come back!


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[tkdgirl]

The fun is just beginning for you!! As far as mods go, the possibilities are endless.

I would recommend doing a cold air intake (cold air inductions is my favorite). Then I would go and do a flowmaster 40 series and resonator delete.

Headlight wise I have yet to find one I have fallen in love with but tail lights you can go with the Cadillac style one and it changes the look of your whole vehicle!! LED fog light pods are a must as well.

Interior wise I changed all my dome lights to LED’s and it makes the vehicle look 10 years newer.

I could go on and on about what to do or what I’d love to do to mine! Once you go down the rabbit hole you never come back!


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Definitely have the interior LEDs on the list. Do you have a link to the Cadillac style ones?

 

[TheBiznisKitty]

Definitely have the interior LEDs on the list. Do you have a link to the Cadillac style ones?

Yes! Here is the link down below. Super easy to install, by far my favorite mod.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072B5FG9H/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[vcode]

There are black grill and lower grill kits available for about $180 on ebay. Unfortunately they don't come with a black hood edge trim piece, you'd have to paint or wrap the stock chrome one.

I didn't like the red GMC badges front and back so I swapped them to black. Front is easy, it just unclips/snaps off. Rear is stuck on, so have I used fishing line or dental floss behind it to remove it, then removed the rest of the adhesive with a 3m magic eraser wheel in my drill.

I switched to some Eagle Eyes U bar style projector headlights I found on ebay for $300. They're available in black or clear/chrome. I then found some Eagle Eyes C-bar LED taillights that match the styling pretty good with the headlights, they were $200

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-07-13-GMC-Yukon-Denali-Upper-Lower-Unpainted-Grill-Grille/371230303659

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Grill-Grille-Rear-Emblem-Badge-Black-Set-For-2007-2013-GMC-Yukon-XL-1500/193237877584?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Bar-For-2007-2014-GMC-Yukon-XL-Denali-BlackHalo-Projector-Headlights/274182362969?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Smoke-C-BAR-LED-Taillights-for-2007-2013-Chevy-Tahoe-Suburban-GMC-Yukon/293687892785?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

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So how do those headlight actually work on a dark road at night? I put new bulbs in my Tahoe and would have a hard time overdriving them. I've seen some aftermarket units that wouldn't even make good back-up lights.

 

[gooffeyguy]

So how do those headlight actually work on a dark road at night? I put new bulbs in my Tahoe and would have a hard time overdriving them. I've seen some aftermarket units that wouldn't even make good back-up lights.

Since they are my first experience with a projector type headlight, it's hard to tell because I'm not used to having a cut-off line. They're bright, but not HID bright. I can definitely see the cut-off line on the road a head of me a few car lengths, but at the same time it lights up overhead road signs quite a ways away. I think I have them adjusted a little low. I've never had anyone flash me, and I notice the cut-off line on the trunks and doors of the cars in front of me below their mirrors when coming up on them at red lights.

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