2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab AWD- QUESTION

[Dantheman-2003]

So I am looking at acquiring a new rig. Specifically looking at a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab AWD. This truck comes with the 6.2 engine. Anyone have any thoughts on this compared to the an 08-09 Sierra SLT 4wd? I know it all depends on what my plans are for it, but specifically wondering about the engine performance. I have only owned 5.3 trucks. Appreciate any feedback or considerations.

 

[j91z28d1]

only thing I'd say is from what I read the 6.2 requires 93, where the 5.3 is fine on 87. everyone that has a 6.2 loves them thou, so it's eh. just a heads up to think about sometimes 93 can be a full dollar more.

 

[mikeyss]

I believe the 09 and up 6.2 can use E85, which is much cheaper than premium....but E85 will only give you 9 mpg in the city.

 

[wjburken]

I don’t think you’ll be upset with the 6.2. I believe that year may not have AFM. At least the 6.2’s in the Yukons didn’t, but they did have VVT which is nice.

They do recommend premium but if it’s Flex Fuel, you can run E85 as stated. Not sure if the 6.2’s of that year were setup as flex fuel.

 

[mikeyss]

I don’t think you’ll be upset with the 6.2. I believe that year may not have AFM. At least the 6.2’s in the Yukons didn’t, but they did have VVT which is nice.

They do recommend premium but if it’s Flex Fuel, you can run E85 as stated. Not sure if the 6.2’s of that year were setup as flex fuel.

Oh yeah, you're right. The 08 Sierra Denali would be a L92 which has VVT but not E85 capable. It also doesn't have the dreaded AFM system, thankfully.

 

[petethepug]

That’s kinda a unicorn truck now. It has the stupid simple AWD and AFM’less 6.2L that loves these 3T trucks because it doesn’t work hard at all. It’s e85 ready if you purchase a kit to add the sensor & tune.

My 09 has literally paid the purchase price of the truck from savings running e85. The other benefit is zero carbon deposits on the intake & internals so runs cooler, longer oil change intervals leading to longevity of the 6.2.

Take it for a drive and stop on is from a 10-20mph rolling start. You’ll be in love. If it’s wet, it’ll make up your mind right there because the tail never swings out with AWD. Same goes for 60+ on rainy highways. The AWD keeps it from getting away when hitting partial lakes that accumulate next to the fast or slow lanes. EZ to add factory BT option of the 09+ too.

It doesn’t have the low efficiency headlamps the SUV Denali has but still retains the z55 autoride and 20’s eliminate the badonka donk its lighter rear end has on highway cruising speeds. The interior fit & finish speaks for itself. Have fun!

 

[Dantheman-2003]

All,
Thanks for the thoughts. I’m not so concerned with fuel mileage etc. it’s a truck and I don’t expect it to do great. But good to know there’s options! I will explore this more…

 

[petethepug]

Not too many chime into this forum on the Cousin to the Denali SUV in P/U truck form. Did a quick look and see that All 08-13 Sierra Denali got the e85 L9H non AFM 6.2L motor. GM doesn’t offer AWD anymore in 14+.

Apparently GM did add AFM to the 5.3L pick ups but of course back to no AFM on the 6.0L in the 3/4 & 1T trucks.

 

[swathdiver]

So I am looking at acquiring a new rig. Specifically looking at a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab AWD. This truck comes with the 6.2 engine. Anyone have any thoughts on this compared to the an 08-09 Sierra SLT 4wd? I know it all depends on what my plans are for it, but specifically wondering about the engine performance. I have only owned 5.3 trucks. Appreciate any feedback or considerations.

How will you use it? Off-roading? Towing?

The 2008s L92 motor is rated for 403 horses and requires 91+ octane. Be careful though, a lot cheapskates ran these engines with regular and after about 100K miles, they have busted rings and pistons.

The glorious 6.2 is so much more powerful than the 5.3. Tonight, my daughter cracked into the 14s with her bone stock 2013 6.2 Sierra. She's learning how to launch and drive it.

Initially, I preferred a 4x4 but knowing what I know now, an AWD truck would suit me fine as well.

 

[petethepug]

Yea you might say the 6.2L doesn’t have any issues merging on to the highway from an on-ramp. I never knew a Denali, Esky and some of the GM trucks had over 400hp the way most people drive them.

Seems kinda sketchy having a 2WD w/ a 6.2 knowing that if you ran over a cup of water at a stop light you could lay out a 100 foot long strip of rubber at a hard launch.

 

[Dantheman-2003]

How will you use it? Off-roading? Towing?

The 2008s L92 motor is rated for 403 horses and requires 91+ octane. Be careful though, a lot cheapskates ran these engines with regular and after about 100K miles, they have busted rings and pistons.

The glorious 6.2 is so much more powerful than the 5.3. Tonight, my daughter cracked into the 14s with her bone stock 2013 6.2 Sierra. She's learning how to launch and drive it.

Initially, I preferred a 4x4 but knowing what I know now, an AWD truck would suit me fine as well.

@swathdiver - Great considerations there. Depends who owned it and what gas they ran in it. Kind of a guess at this point. Ima test drive it this weekend and she how she runs. Regarding the use, it will mainly be a truck to put around in. I live in the north east hills of California. We get a little snow now and then. I like to hunt, and might go out on some groomed fire roads. Definitely this tuck will not be used for extreme off-roading/wheeling.

 

[swathdiver]

@swathdiver - Great considerations there. Depends who owned it and what gas they ran in it. Kind of a guess at this point. Ima test drive it this weekend and she how she runs. Regarding the use, it will mainly be a truck to put around in. I live in the north east hills of California. We get a little snow now and then. I like to hunt, and might go out on some groomed fire roads. Definitely this tuck will not be used for extreme off-roading/wheeling.

It should suit you fine then. Just remember that when off road, AWD drives a little differently than 4x4s, speed is life with AWD.

TFL truck did a review of a 2013 Sierra Denali way back when. Grumpy complained about it, he was waiting for the new body style, but she did everything he asked the truck to do and never got stuck and he loved the power of the engine, still does to this day.

We've ditched our mud and all-terrain tires for Michelin Defenders and still go play in the woods and muck without issue. I'm sure it'll happen someday, but that's what the recovery gear is for!

 

[petethepug]

Keep us posted @Dantheman-2003 That body style is one of my favorites. Would love to hear more details about your hunt.

 

[Dantheman-2003]

Keep us posted @Dantheman-2003 That body style is one of my favorites. Would love to hear more details about your hunt.

I’m going to look at her today. Will keep you posted

 

[petethepug]

Our 08 was black on black. The truck is sooo much prettier than the suv.

Indestructible leather interior and camouflages almost all dirt truck in the interior. I do miss it dearly but had to get e85 for the $85 fill ups since it’s a daily.

Happy hunting!

 

[Dantheman-2003]

Our 08 was black on black. The truck is sooo much prettier than the suv.

View attachment 420574

Indestructible leather interior and camouflages almost all dirt truck in the interior. I do miss it dearly but had to get e85 for the $85 fill ups since it’s a daily.

Happy hunting!

Nice Pete!! Yeah that e85 is tempting. I may consider a conversion kit, we’ll see. I’m going to tune it anyways so that might be something I investigate.

 

[Dantheman-2003]

Update: First, I want to thank everyone who chimed in here. Unfortunately, this mission was a bust. Went down this afternoon to look at this rig and sad to say it was in pretty bad shape. Massive oil leak underneath and soiled everywhere , shift points felt weird, interior smelled like BO plus allot of other cosmetic flaws. If it were in better shape, I’d consider. BUT!!! The good news is a found an 09 Z71 in nearly perfect condition! Will post a pic in the morning it’s been one hell of a long day.

 

[91RS]

No 2007-2013 Sierra Denali had AFM. That alone is the reason to buy one over an SLT.

Pretty much any of these trucks you buy these days are going to need work. They’re all 12+ years old. They’re going to have multiple leaks, worn suspension, broken interior pieces, etc. I wouldn’t buy one without the expectation of spending a few thousand on it to get it up to ***** unless you’re one of those people who can drive around a car falling apart around you. Be patient and find a good starting point, but it will very likely still need work. I think it’s worth it considering how much the new ones cost but I’m in the minority.

 

[petethepug]

Any test drive info @Dantheman-2003

 

[Dantheman-2003]

Any test drive info @Dantheman-2003

@petethepug - I did test drive it. And to be honest, it was pretty beat up. I’ve found way nicer Z71’s with 200k in better condition than this one. They wanted $16k. I laughed as I walked out of there. Truck might be worth 5 grand at the most.