Question about AWD models and high horsepower?

[Homeslice]

I was really looking to get a relatively high mileage Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade as they have depreciated so much and are affordable, with the view that I'd have a high-horsepower replacement engine (and probably tranny) put in it soon. But I just noticed that some Yukon's and Escalades (mostly the 2007-14 gen I believe) have AWD it looks like. Is that true AWD for the street - not 4 wheel drive? Can those AWD internals handle high horsepower, or is it much better to just get RWD for any high horsepower applications?

Thanks!!!

 

[Foggy]

A RWD in the Denali Package will have a stronger rear end than the AWD
But plenty of people have put 600hp to the awd system... It's really
the transmission that can't handle (stock) much HP over stock
I had a supercharger on my yukon for a couple of years (with a built to sh*t trans)
and had zero issues. The next weak link is the 8.6" rear end in the AWD models.
They put the smaller rear end in the AWD because it splits the power 60/40
and gm prob saved $7.35 on each build

 

[Marky Dissod]

Is it true that AWD is for the street - not 4 wheel drive?

If only to save AWD/4WD for when I REALLY NEED IT, I stay in RWD unless it's slippery - hard rain, snow, ice, earth;
wherever RWD is in danger of being 'not enough'. Despite driving like a jerk OFTEN, I very seldom want AWD/4WD, hardly ever need it.
Had I an engine superior to an LS3, who knows? ...

Can those AWD internals handle high horsepower, or is it much better to just get RWD for any high horsepower applications?

RWD is surely much simpler / cheaper, if only because there's less stuff in need of upgrading to withstand that much more power.

 

[j91z28d1]

If only to save AWD/4WD for when I REALLY NEED IT, I stay in RWD unless it's slippery - hard rain, snow, ice, earth;
wherever RWD is in danger of being 'not enough'. Despite driving like a jerk OFTEN, I very seldom want AWD/4WD, hardly ever need it.
Had I an engine superior to an LS3, who knows? ...
RWD is surely much simpler / cheaper, if only because there's less stuff in need of upgrading to withstand that much more power.

do you have a selectable transfer case? I thought all the normal Denalis and Escalades had the all time all wheel drive. I tend to like the idea of the one that's selectable with the auto setting.

other guys will know much better because I believe they have rebuilt theirs but I believe the full time awd has a viscous coupling transfer case with a chain drive of some sort. I'm not sure what all is going on in the 4wd one that has auto. I think theres clutches of some sort that can be locked up quickly to apply power to the front in auto, but isn't really awd. unless you shift into 4hi or 4lo?

and then isn't there a AWD version with 2 speeds?

 

[SpareParts]

The AWD TC is 1 speed. Split 40/60. The power is split using a gear setup but i can't remember the name right now.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I was really looking to get a relatively high mileage Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade as they have depreciated so much and are affordable, with the view that I'd have a high-horsepower replacement engine (and probably tranny) put in it soon. But I just noticed that some Yukon's and Escalades (mostly the 2007-14 gen I believe) have AWD it looks like. Is that true AWD for the street - not 4 wheel drive? Can those AWD internals handle high horsepower, or is it much better to just get RWD for any high horsepower applications?

Thanks!!!

If you stay at 600hp or less, your stock AWD Denali drivetrain should be OK, as long as you don't actually try to beat it to death. As stated above, the 6 speed transmission was weak back in the 2007-2009 time period, but it was improved upon in later years. The torque converter is also a potential weak link, if you drive abusively, and when it grenades, it usually takes out the transmission, as well.

For my build, I purchased a new GM 6 speed transmission with all of the improvements from the early years. I replaced my torque converter with a new GM OEM one, as my builder said the the new GM torque converter would consistently handle 600 hp.

I'm in the process of converting from 3.42 gearing to 4.10 gearing. While doing this, I'm converting the rear axle to a 14 bolt, 9 1/2" ring gear with and Eaton-type locker, as this will provide additional strength over the stock 10 bolt 8 1/2" ring gear G80 locker. All of the other rear axle internals will be replaced as well. I'm using a stock front differential shell, but all of the internals will be replaced.

 

[mikez71]

A RWD in the Denali Package will have a stronger rear end than the AWD

To add another data point, my 14bolt came out of a 2013 AWD Escalade.

 

[SpareParts]

Does your new axle bolt in? If not, what mod did you do to make it fit.
Kinda looking at putting one in mine but have not really dug into what it takes much. Will be a next spring project when i convert to a 261 manual TC.

 

[mikez71]

Straight bolt in.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

To add another data point, my 14bolt came out of a 2013 AWD Escalade.

Mine came from a 2008 RWD Escalade.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Does your new axle bolt in? If not, what mod did you do to make it fit.
Kinda looking at putting one in mine but have not really dug into what it takes much. Will be a next spring project when i convert to a 261 manual TC.

Mine will be a straight bolt in, because it came from an SUV. Where the problem arises, is if you get a 14-volt rear axle from a pickup truck or some other vehicle that's not an SUV.

 

[SpareParts]

I checked the local yard website and they have 2 for a little over $450 each.

 

[swathdiver]

I was really looking to get a relatively high mileage Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade as they have depreciated so much and are affordable, with the view that I'd have a high-horsepower replacement engine (and probably tranny) put in it soon. But I just noticed that some Yukon's and Escalades (mostly the 2007-14 gen I believe) have AWD it looks like. Is that true AWD for the street - not 4 wheel drive? Can those AWD internals handle high horsepower, or is it much better to just get RWD for any high horsepower applications?

Thanks!!!

Do a search for a member on here with a 1000 horsepower turbocharged 427 AWD Denali. He runs around Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Has videos on youtube and used to post a lot on here. His exact screen name is @67RS427

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I was really looking to get a relatively high mileage Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade as they have depreciated so much and are affordable, with the view that I'd have a high-horsepower replacement engine (and probably tranny) put in it soon. But I just noticed that some Yukon's and Escalades (mostly the 2007-14 gen I believe) have AWD it looks like. Is that true AWD for the street - not 4 wheel drive? Can those AWD internals handle high horsepower, or is it much better to just get RWD for any high horsepower applications?

Thanks!!!

FYI, @swathdiver has a lot of information on this generation SUV's drivetrain parts and compatibility. I've relieved heavily on his counseling on my 4.10 re-gear project.

I used LKQ Parts, as it came highly recommended by a few folks that have gone this route. Overall, they were fantastic, and all I had to make was one phone call, and they shipped it directly to my gear builder.

 

[Rocket Man]

The transfer case isn’t the weak link, I wouldn’t worry about it. AWD in general is harder on the entire drivetrain though under high HP applications due to the fact the tires tend to not want to break their grip like a 2WD does. I have a 2002 Denali AWD with a blown/cammed 6.0 and I can tell you its fun as hell with AWD and a lot of power, especially in the rain when almost every other vehicle loses their grip taking off from a stoplight and you can floor it and haul ass. The only others that keep up with that truck are the Subaru STi’s and WRx’s. But like i said, you just have to take into consideration what you drive like. If you want to floor it from a stoplight all the time, you’ll break something eventually because you’re launching a heavy SUV and if the tires don’t break loose, something else might. I know, believe me.

 

[Homeslice]

Hahaha thanks so much everyone. This tells me what I need to know - the AWD system is strong likely strong enough, and if its not it can be built stronger. Looking at a 2009 Cadillac Escalade now with AWD. Will post pics if I buy it. Thanks!