Anyone Off-Road their Yukon Denali with OEM suspension?

[doc5339]

Have been seriously considering Fox 2.5, 2.0 and Icon suspension setups to replace my OEM Autoride system (front/rear). I have 177k+ miles on the OEM suspension so I am considering either changing it out with Fox maybe Icon or just replacing OEM Autoride Z55 on my 2011 Yukon Denali AWD.

99.5% of the time I drive on good roads and highway, but planning to do Ophir Pass, Colorado as well as some light-moderate off-roading. I have no issues with the OEM suspension and enjoy the ride, just wondering if anyone has actually done any somewhat challenging off-road trails with the OEM Denali setup?

I understand the Fox or Icon setups will also get a little lift improving ground clearance and approach/breakover/departure angles somewhat. It does seem silly to spend more $$$ to "upgrade" to a more off-road setup I would only use 0.5% of the time, which will likely ruin or significantly degrade the nice ride I have now for 99.5% of the driving.

So, any of you Colorado guys or mountain guys take your stock Denali over some rough passes? I realize the lack of low-range transfer case is a larger issue than suspension and right height, but I have no intention of changing the transfer case/front diff, etc. so am focusing on what I plan to replace before this high mileage trip.

 

[Sparksalot]

I overland my 2wd PPV. The biggest challenge I have is clearance.

 

[doc5339]

I overland my 2wd PPV. The biggest challenge I have is clearance.

Thanks, definitely realize the limitation of stock ride height clearances. Really curious how especially the rear Autoride air shocks due with rough off-roading in terms of articulation and potential air shock blow-outs. Have found very few resources of people actually off-roading their Denalis, LTZ, Escalades with the old self-leveling air suspension which makes sense as they came with 20" or 22" wheels and were marketed more as bling-bling SUVs.

I will probably remove the lower air dam, possible consider a Border Patrol trim, but mostly will try and avoid approach angles the old Denali can't handle.

 

[Amaster]

I've done some moderate offroading in my slt one speed transfer case. It's okay, for soft hill climbs and going through deep snow. But rock climbing and harsh stuff forget about it. I can't even get through some of the ally ways in my town without rubbing the bumper. If you got the highway gears unfortunately that's what there made for. Gm really stopped making a capable 4x4 from our gen.

 

[Sparksalot]

Thanks, definitely realize the limitation of stock ride height clearances. Really curious how especially the rear Autoride air shocks due with rough off-roading in terms of articulation and potential air shock blow-outs. Have found very few resources of people actually off-roading their Denalis, LTZ, Escalades with the old self-leveling air suspension which makes sense as they came with 20" or 22" wheels and were marketed more as bling-bling SUVs.

I will probably remove the lower air dam, possible consider a Border Patrol trim, but mostly will try and avoid approach angles the old Denali can't handle.

Definitely on the air dam. I decided to do that before losing the hard way. Having the pushbar has kept me from doing a border patrol cut so far.

 

[Geotrash]

Have been seriously considering Fox 2.5, 2.0 and Icon suspension setups to replace my OEM Autoride system (front/rear). I have 177k+ miles on the OEM suspension so I am considering either changing it out with Fox maybe Icon or just replacing OEM Autoride Z55 on my 2011 Yukon Denali AWD.

99.5% of the time I drive on good roads and highway, but planning to do Ophir Pass, Colorado as well as some light-moderate off-roading. I have no issues with the OEM suspension and enjoy the ride, just wondering if anyone has actually done any somewhat challenging off-road trails with the OEM Denali setup?

I understand the Fox or Icon setups will also get a little lift improving ground clearance and approach/breakover/departure angles somewhat. It does seem silly to spend more $$$ to "upgrade" to a more off-road setup I would only use 0.5% of the time, which will likely ruin or significantly degrade the nice ride I have now for 99.5% of the driving.

So, any of you Colorado guys or mountain guys take your stock Denali over some rough passes? I realize the lack of low-range transfer case is a larger issue than suspension and right height, but I have no intention of changing the transfer case/front diff, etc. so am focusing on what I plan to replace before this high mileage trip.

I lived in Colorado until mid 2020 and took my 2012 XL Denali over Mosquito Pass into Leadville from Alma. It has the stock suspension and AWD. No problem with suspension articulation on that trail, but a few times I had to have my wife spot me to keep from ripping off a running board. The factory suspension did reduce 'head-toss' significantly over a standard suspension, though. I've also driven that trail with a Land Rover Discovery II, an LR3, and an Isuzu Rodeo - all stock. And all 3 had low range, which came in handy.

In my opinion, if you're going to do much wheeling, you want to set it up for overlanding, with a lift, larger diameter A/T tires, rock sliders, and some bottom protection. At a minimum, you'll want to get rid of the air dams, running boards, and anything else that hangs low. I do think you could get by without a 2-speed transfer case because the 6L80 has a super-low 1st gear, but some guys do make that switch.

On Ophir Pass, you'll be fine with a stock setup. Lots of people do that one with only 2WD. I did it in 2019 with a stock Land Rover LR2 (basically a Volvo S60). But if you're going to venture into other passes in the San Juans, like Engineer Pass or Blackbear, Imogene, etc, then you want much more than stock.

Get a copy of Charles A. Wells' book for the region you're going to visit. He uses the standard 10-point difficulty scale in his guides. In my opinion, a stock AWD Denali can safely handle up to a level 3 without damage. Make the mods I suggest above and you can probably get into a level 5 trail, no problem. That is assuming you have a shorty and not an XL.

 

[swathdiver]

There was a guy on here 3-4 years ago with an AWD Yukon XL Denali who did lots of overlanding and camping out in the boonies. He shared some of his experiences with us and how to use AWD when off road. Don't remember his name but a search should turn up the posts.

 

[Geotrash]

Here's a nice thread with some great ideas. It's an SLT, but still useful.

09 Yuk’s offroad adventure mobile

This month I picked up an OVS 180 awning. Really impressed with the quality of the awning, and combined with the rear hatch provides great coverage. I also fabbed up some brackets to mount the traction boards to the roof rack.

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[doc5339]

I lived in Colorado until mid 2020 and took my 2012 XL Denali over Mosquito Pass into Leadville from Alma. It has the stock suspension and AWD. No problem with suspension articulation on that trail, but a few times I had to have my wife spot me to keep from ripping off a running board. The factory suspension did reduce 'head-toss' significantly over a standard suspension, though. I've also driven that trail with a Land Rover Discovery II, an LR3, and an Isuzu Rodeo - all stock. And all 3 had low range, which came in handy.

In my opinion, if you're going to do much wheeling, you want to set it up for overlanding, with a lift, larger diameter A/T tires, rock sliders, and some bottom protection. At a minimum, you'll want to get rid of the air dams, running boards, and anything else that hangs low. I do think you could get by without a 2-speed transfer case because the 6L80 has a super-low 1st gear, but some guys do make that switch.

On Ophir Pass, you'll bee fine with a stock setup. Lots of people do that one with only 2WD. I did it in 2019 with a stock Land Rover LR2 (basically a Volvo S60). But if you're going to venture into other passes in the San Juans, like Engineer Pass or Blackbear, Imogene, etc, then you want much more than stock.

Get a copy of Charles A. Wells' book for the region you're going to visit. He uses the standard 10-point difficulty scale in his guides. In my opinion, a stock AWD Denali can safely handle up to a level 3 without damage. Make the mods I suggest above and you can probably get into a level 5 trail, no problem. That is assuming you have a shorty and not an XL.

Very informative, thanks! The last pass I did in Colorado was Imogene from Telluride to Ouray in a 2020 Defender 110 S; of course used low range extensively. I can't see my Denali doing Imogene. I was a bit concerned about the Denali doing Ophir (even though it's easy) because I understand most of these passes degrade over time and often get more difficult in the "easy" sections.

I plan to remove the air dam (lower valance), but will definitely not be doing hardcore stuff like rock rails. Your reply is making me lean towards keeping the Autoride; just replacing with OEM so they don't pop on the trail.

 

[doc5339]

There was a guy on here 3-4 years ago with an AWD Yukon XL Denali who did lots of overlanding and camping out in the boonies. He shared some of his experiences with us and how to use AWD when off road. Don't remember his name but a search should turn up the posts.

Thanks, I contacted him (MrPeterClark). He sells GMT900 bumpers, roof racks, etc as well. He runs the Icon suspension on 33", though I think he's going up to 35".

 

[Geotrash]

Very informative, thanks! The last pass I did in Colorado was Imogene from Telluride to Ouray in a 2020 Defender 110 S; of course used low range extensively. I can't see my Denali doing Imogene. I was a bit concerned about the Denali doing Ophir (even though it's easy) because I understand most of these passes degrade over time and often get more difficult in the "easy" sections.

I plan to remove the air dam (lower valance), but will definitely not be doing hardcore stuff like rock rails. Your reply is making me lean towards keeping the Autoride; just replacing with OEM so they don't pop on the trail.

Happy to help. I think that's a good plan for what you have in mind.

Something else to consider is replacing the torque converter in the transmission before such a long and demanding trip. Failure of the lockup clutch is what takes these transmissions out and you're approaching the critical mileage, in my opinion.

 

[doc5339]

Happy to help. I think that's a good plan for what you have in mind.

Something else to consider is replacing the torque converter in the transmission before such a long and demanding trip. Failure of the lockup clutch is what takes these transmissions out and you're approaching the critical mileage, in my opinion.

Noted Sir, thanks again!

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks, I contacted him (MrPeterClark). He sells GMT900 bumpers, roof racks, etc as well. He runs the Icon suspension on 33", though I think he's going up to 35".

That's not who I was thinking of but he sure is a great resource!

 

[doc5339]

That's not who I was thinking of but he sure is a great resource!

Ohh, that’s what I get for making an ass-umption!

 

[Geotrash]

That's not who I was thinking of but he sure is a great resource!

I'll bet this is the guy you were thinking of:

Denali AWD driving off road.

Yes , I drive this thing off road. I treat it like a truck. Yes , I've gotten it stuck. To my surprise it does not act like a 4x4 2007 yukon denali xl. It doesn't behave at all like any 4x4 I've ever driven. That aside , once I learned how to drive it off road its been quite capable...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[swathdiver]

I'll bet this is the guy you were thinking of:

Denali AWD driving off road.

Yes , I drive this thing off road. I treat it like a truck. Yes , I've gotten it stuck. To my surprise it does not act like a 4x4 2007 yukon denali xl. It doesn't behave at all like any 4x4 I've ever driven. That aside , once I learned how to drive it off road its been quite capable...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

That's him, thanks! @Dingus mcghee

He hasn't been on in a while, not able to page him.

 

[superjet223]

I've done some DNR type forest road camping in my 07 Denali XL AWD. Some very neglected and steep rocky terrain. I do have 2.5" lift with 33" nitto ridge grapplers but otherwise stock suspension and haven't had any issues. Just need a little knowledge on picking lines and some common sense and patience and it's quite capable.

 

[B-train]

Hey all! New to the group, but have enjoyed the forum for awhile from afar.

I have an 08 denali that I turned into my amateur overland truck.....I caught the bug 2 years ago after a NETFLIX series.

It is OEM. Factory suspension and tire size (265-65-18) handles gravel roads with ease. I've been to WY where the roads are mainly smooth gravel and 28 psi works well to go around 45 mph with good riding conditions. MO, KS,and NE roads as well (pony express overland route) were mostly gravel and easy to run on.

WI forest roads that are gravel with some whoop sections and washboard are easily traversed with the appropriate speed and tire pressure.

AZ & CO just this week and it was much different than what I had previously tackled. The roads can either be nice gravel/sand mix and smooth, or cobblestone awfulness that will rattle the truck apart. (Avoid Carson natl forest if you value your vehicle in 1 piece) I found it can also handle a trail that goes to 12000 ft elevation in the San Jaun Natl forest ( shorter red loop on RH screen shot. Hwy 550 is the western border). Steep, rocky, sharp corners, loose rocks, etc. It was pucker central for a little bit, not gonna lie.....especially traveling all by my lonesome. A 2 speed transfer case would be great, but 1st gear will be sufficient for the most part. Just make sure to give the brakes time to cool after steep sections.

Also did the CUMBERLAND PASS trail from hwy 50 south of Pitkin via 763, and then 765 north over the pass to Tincup. I would call it a semi-rough route with some nice smooth gravel sections, then washboard, small to medium rocky sections, and some sharp uphill curves.

If you air down the tires to help absorb energy, choose a good line, and don't be a speed demon, it actually works quite well. I do have the rear shocks refill after a serious articulation around steep corners once in awhile, but no failures or leaks. However, I was advised by more than 1 person that the low ground clearance and factory tire size can get you in trouble on other trails that are more technical. And, I don't disagree with them.

Put on 3200 miles in 6 days from WI to CO and back with offroad exploring included. Testament to good engineering with proper maintenance.

Always looking for adventures if anyone wants to plan a Yukon outing play date....LOL

 

[Geotrash]

Hey all! New to the group, but have enjoyed the forum for awhile from afar.

I have an 08 denali that I turned into my amateur overland truck.....I caught the bug 2 years ago after a NETFLIX series.

It is OEM. Factory suspension and tire size (265-65-18) handles gravel roads with ease. I've been to WY where the roads are mainly smooth gravel and 28 psi works well to go around 45 mph with good riding conditions. MO, KS,and NE roads as well (pony express overland route) were mostly gravel and easy to run on.

WI forest roads that are gravel with some whoop sections and washboard are easily traversed with the appropriate speed and tire pressure.

AZ & CO just this week and it was much different than what I had previously tackled. The roads can either be nice gravel/sand mix and smooth, or cobblestone awfulness that will rattle the truck apart. (Avoid Carson natl forest if you value your vehicle in 1 piece) I found it can also handle a trail that goes to 12000 ft elevation in the San Jaun Natl forest ( shorter red loop on RH screen shot. Hwy 550 is the western border). Steep, rocky, sharp corners, loose rocks, etc. It was pucker central for a little bit, not gonna lie.....especially traveling all by my lonesome. A 2 speed transfer case would be great, but 1st gear will be sufficient for the most part. Just make sure to give the brakes time to cool after steep sections.

Also did the CUMBERLAND PASS trail from hwy 50 south of Pitkin via 763, and then 765 north over the pass to Tincup. I would call it a semi-rough route with some nice smooth gravel sections, then washboard, small to medium rocky sections, and some sharp uphill curves.

If you air down the tires to help absorb energy, choose a good line, and don't be a speed demon, it actually works quite well. I do have the rear shocks refill after a serious articulation around steep corners once in awhile, but no failures or leaks. However, I was advised by more than 1 person that the low ground clearance and factory tire size can get you in trouble on other trails that are more technical. And, I don't disagree with them.

Put on 3200 miles in 6 days from WI to CO and back with offroad exploring included. Testament to good engineering with proper maintenance.

Always looking for adventures if anyone wants to plan a Yukon outing play date....LOL

Put at 2" lift on that thing and send it! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I lived in Colorado for 25 years and did a ton of 4wd trails there. I've owned 3 Land Rovers, an Isuzu Rodeo, a Suburban and 2 XL Denali's. Ground clearance on a stock Denali is insufficient for many of the trails, but a 2" lift would be enough for most of them without compromising ride quality too much. I had larger than stock tires on my Suburban and even that was enough to make a difference.

If I read your images right, you Tok yours over Black Bear Pass? If so, that's great! It's a pretty serious trail.

 

[B-train]

Thanks for the info! I have been considering a lift and one size larger tires. I usually try to stay as close to OEM as possible for longevity, ease of service, and lower operating costs. But, done right, modifications can be beneficial.

I don't think it was black bear pass (even though I'd like to take the credit) All I did in the San Juan was a short loop east of 550 that had old mine sites, high elevation grasslands, etc. After that I ran half way through the mountains from Ouray to Telluride. It was still quite technical for a first attempt. If I were in a group, I would be more daring and explore farther out. The whole "I need this to make it back 1000 miles home in one piece" makes for some nerve rattling and more subdued adventuring. Still awesome scenery and fun though.