Looking for thoughts on a setup..........

[FatDog]

So, we're looking to do some small upgrades to our 2021 Yukon Denali.

Started off as just wanting to do a front level lift and some different tires. After reading and looking around this is what I'm leaning towards for a setup. Keep in mind, we do not want rims and tires sticking way out from the fenders and I'm not looking to put a big lift in either. Just something to raise it tick, change the stance a bit and add some new wheels . The other big thing is getting into a tire that will work for our winters here in ND, so I need a good snow and ice tire that also looks good.

Let me know your thoughts or what ya think........

As far as wheels, looking at going to a 20" and ditching the 22". So the wheels we are looking at are from XF Offroad and are a 20x9 with a +12 offset. From what I have come across it appears the stock 22" is a +28 offset. So nothing crazy but definitely a change.

Here are the wheels,

XF-222 | XF Off-Road Wheels

The XF-222 is another one of our more popular styles. Recognizable by its split 7 spoke design with a slight-concave, this particular style is available in gloss black with milled windows and rivets and sizes from 20x10 to 26x14.

www.xfoffroad.com

With regard to tires, I'm leaning towards the Toyo AT3 in a 285 / 60 r20. I have a set of these on a spare pickup of ours and they seem to be doing really well. They are wearing good, not loud and the compacted snow and ice traction is great!
Stock tires basically measure at about 32.8" tall and the 285 /60 r20 will measure at about 33.5" tall. Width wise, looks like going from about 10.8" to about 11.2" wide. So again, little taller and a little wider but not a ton.

For those not familiar with the Toyo AT3, here's some additional information,

StackPath

Next would be the level lift. after looking around on here and on other sites I came across Traxda. What's kinda cool about this set up, is it is a 2" front and 1" rear combo. Personally I like the look of "almost level" in the front vs. the exact level or what sometimes happens, which is the nose high scenario, which I do not like at all! Here's a link to the Traxda kit.

Kit #406060 – 2021-2026 Chevy Tahoe/ Chevy Suburban/ GMC Yukon/ GMC Yukon XL/ Cadillac Escalade – 2″ Front And 1″ Rear Lift Kit

Part number: 406060 Installation Instructions: Front Instructions Rear Instructions Description 2021-2026 Cadillac Escalade Awd 2021-2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV Awd 2021-2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 2wd & 4×4 2021-2026 Chevrolet Suburban 2wd & 4×4 2021-2026 GMC Yukon 2wd & 4×4 2021-2026 GMC Yukon...

traxdaliftkits.com

I have looked online at a few different wheel / tire calculators and compared the stock set up to the above listed set up and I think I'm heading in the right direction? From what it looks like, I should obviously pick up a little height but also is should move the side wall of the tire out, just shy of an inch. Here's one of the calculators that I used.

Wheel Offset Calculator

Use our wheel offset calculator to visualize the new tire position when changing wheel and tire sizes. Convert wheel offset and backspacing to calculate the correct setup for your vehicle.

tiresize.com

So, let me know what ya think!?!?!?

Thanks guys!

 

[FatDog]

And of course, here’s what I’m starting with.

 

[olyelr]

Nice rig!

One question…does it have air suspension or normal struts?

All your ideas sound great to me! Will be a great setup in my opinion.

Last year i did something along those lines with my wifes high country, but only went 1” up front and stock in the back…anymore than 1” higher up front and you will get the sagging ass look with these newer rigs (imo). We kept the stock 22’s and wrapped 305/45/22 toyo at3’s around them. It has been an excellent setup for her during winter months. Came from the nitto terra grappler g2’s (which i also highly recommend - phenomenal tire too), but these seem just as good for traction and wear.

 

[olyelr]

Off topic…but what is the badge on the pillar between the rear windows?

 

[FatDog]

Off topic…but what is the badge on the pillar between the rear windows?

First off thanks for the info in the previous post!! It's funny you mention the Nitto's......that was on my list as well!! I would agree with getting the front too high, that's why I was looking at doing a little in the rear as well.

As far as the badge, it's a small black and stainless "6.2L" emblem. I came across them a while back and had them on the previous Eski and Denali. Something a little different that makes you look and I guess it worked again!! LOL

And forgot to mention, NON air suspension. I initially thought the air suspension would be the way to go but after doing some research, talking to the service guy I know and a couple mechanics, I thought I would pass. Especially with our cold winters, I didn't want to deal with possible issues.

 

[FatDog]

On a side note, I also did white carbon fiber wrapped front and rear GMC emblems.

 

[olyelr]

Im diggin’ the gmc logos for sure!

Yea, the nittos were fantastic tires. Had them on her last denali in the factory 285/45/22 size. Worked very well in our northern michigan winters, and with over 60,000 miles on them they were still working well and i actually sold them for money haaaaaaaaaa

The main reason i switched from the nittos was because they were on national backorder at the time of ordering new tires. However, dont regret it…the toyos are great too.

 

[OR VietVet]

How will your suspension plans effect the warranty? That will be important, moving forward.

 

[FatDog]

How will your suspension plans effect the warranty? That will be important, moving forward.

All the other Denali's and Escalades that we have had in the past with almost the same setup has never affected warranty.

 

[OR VietVet]

Does not mean that it would not now. Things change. Manufacturers get pickier. If you are confident, then you should have no trouble asking them and getting ok in writing.

You are gonna do what you are gonna do but I like to cover my bases.

 

[ProfeZZor X]

I'm "That Guy" with the wheels sticking out from the fenders of my AT4, and it does get a lot of attention. It wasn't intended on my part, but it goes with the whole AT4 "off road" theme.

I ended up doing a 3 inch lift kit first, then wheels, then big brakes. For a while I drove with a mis-aligned front, but as of yesterday I had that all taken care of. Now it drives super smooth on the pavement. Honestly, I don't know why it took me so long to correct it, but I'm glad I finally took care of it. If there's one bit of advice I can contribute to this conversation, it's to get an alignment as soon as you're done installing your new setup.... your tires and wallet will thank you for it.

 

[SouthernSwagger]

I think you're right on with your set up. I can't speak for Toyo tires but I do have the Nitto Recon Grapplers. They're similar to the Ridge Grapplers but perform better on road, which I'm on 99% of the time. Consider these. I used the RC 2" and it came out like this. It's a bit of a physical step up when you have something in your hand like briefcase or gym bag.

 

[FatDog]

I think you're right on with your set up. I can't speak for Toyo tires but I do have the Nitto Recon Grapplers. They're similar to the Ridge Grapplers but perform better on road, which I'm on 99% of the time. Consider these. I used the RC 2" and it came out like this. It's a bit of a physical step up when you have something in your hand like briefcase or gym bag.

Thanks!!

I've actually had Toyo's and Nitto's and honestly there both awesome but then again.......there made in the same factory!! Now I haven't had a chance to try the Toyo AT3's on an SUV (but soon I will) but I do have them on a 1/2 pickup and they have been great!! We also had Ridge Grapplers on the last Denali and they were good too so I'm anxious to see the difference between the two when comparing SUV to SUV. I also have Toyo RT's on my 3/4 ton and those have been really good on that vehicle.

What size tire are you running?

 

[FatDog]

I was also able to come across a pic of a similar setup.

This one has 20x9 wheels / +12 offset with the 285/60 r20 tires.

This one also has the Traxda level lift but I’m not sure if it has the rear 1” lift.

I have wheels and tires on order the Traxda lift is here ready to go!!

 

[SouthernSwagger]

Thanks!!

I've actually had Toyo's and Nitto's and honestly there both awesome but then again.......there made in the same factory!! Now I haven't had a chance to try the Toyo AT3's on an SUV (but soon I will) but I do have them on a 1/2 pickup and they have been great!! We also had Ridge Grapplers on the last Denali and they were good too so I'm anxious to see the difference between the two when comparing SUV to SUV. I also have Toyo RT's on my 3/4 ton and those have been really good on that vehicle.

What size tire are you running?

I'm running 285/50R22. Looking forward to seeing your setup. Merry Christmas

 

[FatDog]

I'm running 285/50R22. Looking forward to seeing your setup. Merry Christmas

I forgot to ask......any rubbing at all????

 

[olyelr]

Didnt know if you had seen this post about this guys setup, so figured i would post it here. Close to the same setup except he kept the factory wheels…

2022 Yukon Denali leveled

2022 Yukon Denali leveled Traxda leveling kit w/ Magneride bracket (2 inch in the front and 1 inch in the rear) Nitto Ridge Grappler tires 285 50 22

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[FatDog]

FINALLY got everything in and installed!!!

Below is a before pic and of course the after. I also put some side pics to see how much "poke" there was but those are tough pictures to capture accurately.

The set up is as mentioned in the beginning,
Traxda - 2" front / 1" rear lift
Wheels - XF Offroad 20x9 / +12 offset
Tires - Toyo AT3 285/60/20
Poke - No tread really showing but the bulge of the sidewall sticks out and the shoulder of the tire can be seen now. So, some "poke".
Trimming - So far just the front Husky mud flaps needed a little bit of trimming.
Roade noise - Not much at all, these are actually pretty quiet tires for an all terrain.
Raised height - Sorry guys, I was so excited I didn't get the before measurement.

 

[FatDog]

One more shot of the front tire….

 

[thill466]

One more shot of the front tire….

View attachment 387699

@FatDog did you get the P 285/60/20 AT3's or the LT's?

I'm currently between 285/60/20 AT3's or 295/60/20's that only come in LT's but would only would gain .4 on height and .3 on width over the P metric 285/60's.