Im in the market for a 2010-2013 Suburban or Yukon XL. At one time I had done my homework and came up with the 2012 & 2013 5.3 or the 2010-2013 6.2 were the best engines, but I think that was for trucks. Trying to dodge any AFM or DOD I cant program out. Don't want to do cam or lifters. Any tranny advice would be good. Just came from a 7.3 Excursion and I'm scared they don't make them like that anymore. Any gearheads with their ears on?
AFM DOD Engine advice, plus any other, looking to buy.
- Thread starter RobbX2
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swathdiver
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Welcome Robert. The 6.2 L9H was used in the pickups from 2009-2013. The Denalis used it in 2009 and a handful of 2010 Yukon XL SLTs.
The 2012-2014 have all the latest updates and software enhancements and their AFM systems are quite reliable but you have to take care of it, clean oil, cleaning the screen under the oil pressure sensor and some go so far as to replace the VLOM with a new one if they keep AFM operational as it is the failure of a solenoid that usually causes a lifter to collapse.
The 2007 and 2008 Denalis have the L92 which does not have AFM either.
All 6.2s are backed by the 6L80 transmission.
The 2007-2009 5.3s have single pattern camshafts and do not have VVT. The first two years they were backed by the 4L65 transmission and then got the 6L80 in 2009. In 2010, the 5.3s got a new camshaft, notched pistons, and VVT which pulled their torque band down some and made them slightly more fuel efficient.
From 2007-2009 the Suburbans and Yukon XLs could have been equipped with an all aluminum 6.0 with the 6L80.
Most of the engines are FlexFuel capable and they make more horsepower and torque burning corn, the motors love it.
Don't have to worry about spark plugs shooting out of the cylinder heads and your gas mileage is about to go up!
These also came as 2500s with a 6.0 iron block motor. They are towing beasts, very stout and reliable underneath with big 10.5 rear axle and 9.25 up front and 3.73 gears for the 6L90 trucks.
Are you going 4x4 or RWD or does it matter? Denalis with 6.2 are either AWD or RWD and have 3.42 gears. The RWD trucks have a 9.5 semi-floater rear axle.
5.3s with the 6-speed come equipped with either 3.08 or 3.42 gears. If they are 4x4s with 3.08s, they will have a single speed transfer case but is easily swapped out for the 2-speed.
The 2007-2008 5.3 that are backed with the 4-speed will have either 3.42 or 3.73 gears and if memory serves all 4x4s will have a 2-speed TC.
These things are big and several guys on here have been in wrecks that would have killed them had they been in something lessor.
Tide
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Which one of these engines has the spark plug issues? First I’ve heard of that.
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wjburken
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I believe James is referring to an issue that Ford has/had with some of their engines. The OP had a Excursion.
wjburken
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Welcome to the forum from Iowa.
Tide
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The 7.3 is a diesel.
I’ve had a 5.4 that had spark plugs issues but shooting out of the heads is something I don’t recall ever hearing about. Absolutely hated that engine. Complete dog and when I traded it in at 100k I bet it wouldn’t make it another 5k miles before needing a rebuild.
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Bigkevschopshop
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Fords quality is hit or miss for sure... Gm powertrain after ditching the 4l60e has gone up and up for sure. But I had a 4l60e with 260k on it and still going, so they had to be taken care of, just as all things pretty much.
I would say if money allows go 10 to 14, the problems are lesser on those years cause they dialed alot of things in on the powertrain and little cosmetic crap like door handles peeling etc.
Turn off the AFM with a handheld tuner or something like that, keep clean oil in it, use a good filter, it should last for sure. I think there is a few AFM guys here with over 200k already, one pushing 300k... Its all in the maintenance... Mines at 135k now, bought it with 97k, all fluids changed other than coolant. Afm turned off and my mileage didnt differ, actually improved.
Take a look around at the mileage count of guys on here, people buying used with 150k miles without batting an eye... I think you are going to be hooked when you get into one man...
Welcome to the forum look forward to seeing what you bring home.
I would say if money allows go 10 to 14, the problems are lesser on those years cause they dialed alot of things in on the powertrain and little cosmetic crap like door handles peeling etc.
Turn off the AFM with a handheld tuner or something like that, keep clean oil in it, use a good filter, it should last for sure. I think there is a few AFM guys here with over 200k already, one pushing 300k... Its all in the maintenance... Mines at 135k now, bought it with 97k, all fluids changed other than coolant. Afm turned off and my mileage didnt differ, actually improved.
Take a look around at the mileage count of guys on here, people buying used with 150k miles without batting an eye... I think you are going to be hooked when you get into one man...
Welcome to the forum look forward to seeing what you bring home.
intheburbs
Full Access Member
If I was in the market for one of these, I would avoid any with AFM. All 2010-2013 half-ton SUVs have AFM.
That would limit my search to:
2008-2013 3/4-ton trucks (Suburban 2500, Yukon XL 2500), which had the 6.0 iron-blocked V8, which is easily a 300k motor
2007-2009 Yukon XL Denali or Cadillac Escalade ESV. I have a 2009 Sierra Denali with the L9H and it's a great motor. It has the AFM hardware, but not the software, so it's the same as if it was deactivated.
That would limit my search to:
2008-2013 3/4-ton trucks (Suburban 2500, Yukon XL 2500), which had the 6.0 iron-blocked V8, which is easily a 300k motor
2007-2009 Yukon XL Denali or Cadillac Escalade ESV. I have a 2009 Sierra Denali with the L9H and it's a great motor. It has the AFM hardware, but not the software, so it's the same as if it was deactivated.
14RamHemiSport
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09 Tahoe LTZ with the 6.2L 4X4 if i was shopping now and had time to seach for the right one. They are semi hard to find and you may have to travel. But this 6.2L in a 4X4 option truck would be incredible. My wife has an 09 Yukon Denali (wanted an 09 for no AFM) and we love this truck. Would love the platform even more with the bump in performance of the tahoe in 4wd vs awd in the denali. I believe the suburban / yukon xl are only 19" longer. i believe everything else size wise is the same.
Are there any other items besides the dash cracking, buttons and handles peeling/rubbing off? Are there any solid years for the 5.3? Everything I read says not since 2008. I've seen several of them with repaired engine mounts, is that a common issue?
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