08 Denali vs 03 Yukon for Stump pulling

[West 1]

I owned both of these trucks and had a hard time deciding which one to keep. My wife pushed to keep the Denali 2008, and sell the Yukon because she preferred the ride. OK, we kept the Denali, nice truck.

I needed tp pull a stump today, a job I have done with the old Yukon many times using the Low Range option in 4x4. I hooked up the Denali, stump was not really that large. Started to pull, the truck squatted and grunted but before the stump pulled the right front tire started to spin. What the heck, I have the G80 rear axle with a locking device, rear tires did not spin. My guess is the high tech transfer case decided the front axle is where it wanted to send the torque?

I really wish the Denali had the 2 speed transfer case like the newer trucks do. I miss that option. With Low range the stump would have had 3 tires pulling rather than the Denali only offering 1.

I did not break anything and the truck still runs perfectly. It does ride better than my 03 Yukon, odd but seems to get better MPG also even though it has 100 extra HP.

I wonder if I was up in the snow if the traction would be better, if the Denali would use the rear axle more? I was using a fair amount of throttle before the front wheels broke loose so the rear was driving but once the front broke loose my traction was gone.

I wish it had the low range and I would like it better. Maybe I have to look to upgrade to the 2013? is that when low range was offered again? Thanks, just whining a little. It is a nice truck but a couple things the 03 did better. (not many)

 

[B-train]

2015 was the first year you got a 4-Lo option back when they changed body styles and powertrains.

I do agree, this era of yukon with the 6.2L would've been complete animals if they had a 2 speed transfer case.

 

[West 1]

I wonder how involved a conversion would be? Computer and wiring would be a challenge.

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

I wonder how involved a conversion would be? Computer and wiring would be a challenge.

Have you seen this thread?
I was reading it for fun the other day.

Denali AWD to 2 speed 4wd Transfer Case Swap.

Thought I would post a bit about my AWD to 4WD conversion on my 2007 GMC Yukon XL Denali. I like the AWD for snow driving, traction, etc., but wanted selectable 4 LO and being able to have 2WD for a little more daily, highway efficiency and donuts One other major downside of the AWD tcase is...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I owned both of these trucks and had a hard time deciding which one to keep. My wife pushed to keep the Denali 2008, and sell the Yukon because she preferred the ride. OK, we kept the Denali, nice truck.

I needed tp pull a stump today, a job I have done with the old Yukon many times using the Low Range option in 4x4. I hooked up the Denali, stump was not really that large. Started to pull, the truck squatted and grunted but before the stump pulled the right front tire started to spin. What the heck, I have the G80 rear axle with a locking device, rear tires did not spin. My guess is the high tech transfer case decided the front axle is where it wanted to send the torque?

I really wish the Denali had the 2 speed transfer case like the newer trucks do. I miss that option. With Low range the stump would have had 3 tires pulling rather than the Denali only offering 1.

I did not break anything and the truck still runs perfectly. It does ride better than my 03 Yukon, odd but seems to get better MPG also even though it has 100 extra HP.

I wonder if I was up in the snow if the traction would be better, if the Denali would use the rear axle more? I was using a fair amount of throttle before the front wheels broke loose so the rear was driving but once the front broke loose my traction was gone.

I wish it had the low range and I would like it better. Maybe I have to look to upgrade to the 2013? is that when low range was offered again? Thanks, just whining a little. It is a nice truck but a couple things the 03 did better. (not many)

I had the same experience with my 07 Yukon XL Denali. My son had an F250, which he got stuck in mud while trying to pull a stump. His truck's front end was down to the frame sitting on the mud. I tried to pull him out, and my front tire started slipping as well, since we were on grass.

We finally had to dig under his front wheels and put in boards underneath, to get him out. I was both surprised and disappointed with my truck in this situation.

 

[West 1]

I do not understand the logic that gives priority tot he front drive when the rear is the heavy duty unit of the two differentials. I could see going 60/40 with 40% to the front end but pulling the stump it seemed to be 30/70? After much playing around I did get the stump out this morning with the Denali but I had to play with it to maintain the traction needed. I will take a look at the Hi Low conversion but since I do not do this type work with the truck often it may stay just like it is.

 

[SpareParts]

I have researched the swap to a 4low setup.
If you get the TC from a wrecking yard it's $500 or less. There are several options to shift the TC.
The front end you could leave it alone. I would use a 4X4 front diff and operate it with a switch.
My idea to shift the TC would be to use an actuator with a 4 position switch and programmable controller.
I bet i could even make 1 switch that would shift the TC and front diff as needed and do it complete under $500 with marketplace and Amazon/EBay.
It's actually what i plan to do. Just need to focus on it instead of 5 other things i kinda work on.
I made a setup to steer my 25f boat when trolling using an actuator and programmable controller. Cost was under $100.