2008 Yukon XL 2500 questions

[Oldmopars]

So, to start, I currently have a 1990 GMC Suburban V2500 4x4. I got it to tow my 2017 Keystone Bullet 30 foot trailer. I also got it to do some overlanding, light trail runs, off road camping etc.
While this is a great truck, it does have some disadvantages. It only has 190hp factory, and all are still there as it has a new crate engine. The THM400 is only a 3 speed, this means with the 4.10 gears it not a great highway vehicle. It does pull my trailer, but it struggles a bit.
The last issue is that my wife hates it and can't drive it.
So, I am looking at a real nice 2008 Yukon XL 2500 SLE with 6.0l. I travel with just my wife and 2 dogs, kids are grown. I want to be able to tow my trailer (6500lbs dry) and still be able to do a little off road camping/Overlanding. I know this will never be a serious off road rig/rock crawler, mostly just FS roads and back country discovery routes. I want to be able to sleep inside when not using the trailer.

So, my questions:
How much does the 2500 Yukon share with other GM platforms, and what ones? Are they the same as a 2500 Truck of the same year? I do know it has leaf spring in the rear, not coils.
Also wondering about the frame, as I have a winch I want to transfer over and nobody lists a hidden mount for the Yukon 2500.
How is the 6.0l? I know the 5.3l has some issues, what should I look for in the 6.0l?
I assume this would also have the 4L80E? These seem bullet proof if taken care of.
What other issues should I be looking at when I go see this truck? Current mileage is 111,000. Pretty low for a 2008 SUV.

 

[wjburken]

@intheburbs?

 

[avalonandl]

The 2500 has a really stout frame and the same engine as the 6.0 trucks.

The trans may be a 4 speed... not sure

 

[swathdiver]

So, to start, I currently have a 1990 GMC Suburban V2500 4x4. I got it to tow my 2017 Keystone Bullet 30 foot trailer. I also got it to do some overlanding, light trail runs, off road camping etc.
While this is a great truck, it does have some disadvantages. It only has 190hp factory, and all are still there as it has a new crate engine. The THM400 is only a 3 speed, this means with the 4.10 gears it not a great highway vehicle. It does pull my trailer, but it struggles a bit.
The last issue is that my wife hates it and can't drive it.
So, I am looking at a real nice 2008 Yukon XL 2500 SLE with 6.0l. I travel with just my wife and 2 dogs, kids are grown. I want to be able to tow my trailer (6500lbs dry) and still be able to do a little off road camping/Overlanding. I know this will never be a serious off road rig/rock crawler, mostly just FS roads and back country discovery routes. I want to be able to sleep inside when not using the trailer.

So, my questions:
How much does the 2500 Yukon share with other GM platforms, and what ones? Are they the same as a 2500 Truck of the same year? I do know it has leaf spring in the rear, not coils.
Also wondering about the frame, as I have a winch I want to transfer over and nobody lists a hidden mount for the Yukon 2500.
How is the 6.0l? I know the 5.3l has some issues, what should I look for in the 6.0l?
I assume this would also have the 4L80E? These seem bullet proof if taken care of.
What other issues should I be looking at when I go see this truck? Current mileage is 111,000. Pretty low for a 2008 SUV.

Those motors are near bullet proof. The chassis is basically the same as all 2007-2010 pickups, 2011 pickups have different chassis and lug pattern. There is plenty of room for hidden winch, I would talk to Rough Country, may need to mix and match parts.

Trans will be the 6L90 6-speed and truck will have 3.73 gears.

 

[petethepug]

Can’t believe you found one that someone’s parting with and you’re on the receiving end. These are highly sought after. My bro in law has an 07 with the 4 speed trans and the previous towing capacity that’s 1.9k less than an 08.

Is drinks regular grade fuel and since it’s designated in the NNBS family or 07-14 manufactured year you can swap features and options you may want from other years or trims (Escalade) like Legos.

They’re popular because of the adjustable pedals (if equipped) so the Mrs. can dial in the driving position to use it as a kid hauler when not towing.

Good luck & welcome to the forum!!


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[Matt_]

The 2008 will have the 6 speed 6L90E trans. You also get the 10.5" full floating 14 bolt rear axle with a GMT900 2500 (this was only available with the 8.1L for GMT800).

If you don't buy it can you post the listing? Asking for a friend....

 

[intheburbs]

I've owned my 2008 Suburban 2500 since 2013. I tow heavy (8600-lb trailer) all over the US. It now has 207k miles, and probably 30k of that is heavy towing.

How much does the 2500 Yukon share with other GM platforms, and what ones?

The GMT900 2500 platform underpinnings are the same as the GMT800 1500HD pickups. So that basically means any full size GM truck.

Body? Identical to the half-tons - Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, Escalade, Escalade ESV.

Are they the same as a 2500 Truck of the same year?I do know it has leaf spring in the rear, not coils.
Also wondering about the frame, as I have a winch I want to transfer over and nobody lists a hidden mount for the Yukon 2500.

No, not quite the same as the GMT900 2500HD trucks. There are a few custom bumper manufacturers that make winch bumpers for the 2500 GMT900 trucks. But a Silverado/Sierra 2500HD aftermarket bumper will not work.


How is the 6.0l? I know the 5.3l has some issues, what should I look for in the 6.0l?
I assume this would also have the 4L80E?

The 6.0 is a 300k mile motor. Absolutely bulletproof. And you'll have the 6L90, which is a very stout transmission.


These seem bullet proof if taken care of.
What other issues should I be looking at when I go see this truck? Current mileage is 111,000. Pretty low for a 2008 SUV.

Not much. The dashes like to crack. The power door lock actuators tend to fail about this age.

Throw it up on a rack and check for wet spots. Pay attention to all the cooler lines - trans, engine oil, etc. Yes, as long as you do your fluid changes, these trucks are good for 300k miles on most major components.

Regards to trailer towing, 7,000-8,000 is about the sweet spot. At 8,600, it's less fun up in the Rockies.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

You've already received lots of experiences and perspectives from the great folks on this Forum.

 

[Oldmopars]

Thank you everyone for your great input.
I called the place that has the Yukon. The price is great, however it does have 2 issues.
1. It is in the west, but came from Canada and so the underside has a bit of surface rust. From the pictures, it is not too bad, but still something I will have to deal with. No cancer, just surface stuff.
2. The guy said that it shifts hard going into the gears. It does go into every gear just fine and cruises down the Highway fine, but it shifts hard.
Would this be a sensor? A solenoid? TPS? I read where one guy took it to the dealer and had Tech 2(?) reset it?
Any advice would be great. I really want it, but don't want to get stuck with a huge repair bill.
One of those aftermarket "Warranties" may be a good idea, normally not a fan.

 

[rickmorgan2005]

Can’t believe you found one that someone’s parting with and you’re on the receiving end. These are highly sought after. My bro in law has an 07 with the 4 speed trans and the previous towing capacity that’s 1.9k less than an 08.

Is drinks regular grade fuel and since it’s designated in the NNBS family or 07-14 manufactured year you can swap features and options you may want from other years or trims (Escalade) like Legos.

They’re popular because of the adjustable pedals (if equipped) so the Mrs. can dial in the driving position to use it as a kid hauler when not towing.

Good luck & welcome to the forum!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

i cant answer this
but new to site and in desperate need of some wiring help on a 2004 chevt tahoe. i cant figure out how to post

 

[avalonandl]

June-July of 2019 I searched hi and low for a 2500. Every one I found was a POS, rusty, run hard putaway wet...etc. Had to settle for a Denali XL 1500 AWD. It tows my 35 Donzi but I am WAAAAY over tow limit. A 2500 I know would be more comfortable.....and able to tow longer distances...

 

[Oldmopars]

I found a second one, it is in perfect condition with 176K. But no rust issues or trans issues. However it is $14K. I can take a risk and save a bunch of money, or buy a great one from the start for 2 times as much.

 

[wjburken]

i cant answer this
but new to site and in desperate need of some wiring help on a 2004 chevt tahoe. i cant figure out how to post

Welcome.

Go to this thread, which is the Electronics thread for your year of vehicle. https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forums/audio-electronics.22/
Click on Post New Thread and go from there.

 

[avalonandl]

I found a second one, it is in perfect condition with 176K. But no rust issues or trans issues. However it is $14K. I can take a risk and save a bunch of money, or buy a great one from the start for 2 times as much.

Thats a good price.

 

[Oldmopars]

Thats a good price.

Thanks, that good to know. If I can swing it, that is the one I want. It is everything I am looking for and it is a beautiful dark blue. Perfect in every way.
The same dealer also has a 2006 2500 6.0L, white. It is only $10K. It would be my second choice.

 

[Oldmopars]

Well I pulled the trigger on the 2008 Suburban 2500. I go to get it in the morning. I will post pictures as soon as I get it.
Thank you everyone for all the help and replies. I have doe a lot of searching, but it is really nice to hear from real owners and not just info off the web.
I really hope I can be a contributor in the near future. I have been a mechanic for 30+ years, but its been 28 year since I worked for a Chevy dealer and have been out of the Automotive game for 25 or so. So my knowledge of current models is very low.

 

[petethepug]

Congrats! Christen it with a Tech II purchase or software to run in a compatible laptop for diagnostics.

Why don’t you post up the link for the for sale post so we can scratch n sniff all the goodness.


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[Oldmopars]

Here is the ad, for as long as it stays up. https://www.lot99llc.com/vehicle-de...-seating-suv-d3b50f150c60e046a5d6fcfa5e6dba7f

 

[avalonandl]

Looks clean and has new tires

 

[petethepug]

That’s the first Burb/Yukon I’ve seen with the factory front 3 passenger bench up front. Beautiful color. It’s a perfect slate to add any upgrades for audio or video to keep the back passengers happy.

My buddy just moved back from Salem to SoCal last week as the storm hit. The dude’s so lucky he closed escrow on the house when there was no power and all the trees were in the streets. I grabbed some of the pics and pasted in your post ...

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