Expedition Max to Yukon XL?

[DontTaseMeBro]

I road in a Transit, it wasn't catastrophic, but the shifts were just harsh and delayed, if I remember it was primarily 3-4 or 4-3, I don't remember as it has been about 2 months since.

I appreciate the feedback. Kind of ironic to get more replies here regarding my experience with our Expedition then in the Expy forums. Overall, I'm ready to turn over a new leaf and dive into GMC ownership. Been a Ford guy for almost 10 years now.

 

[BlaineBug]

I appreciate the feedback. Kind of ironic to get more replies here regarding my experience with our Expedition then in the Expy forums. Overall, I'm ready to turn over a new leaf and dive into GMC ownership. Been a Ford guy for almost 10 years now.

‍

 

[15burban]

Modern ATF, specifically Mercon ULV was designed to run hot. It has a a flash point of 350F

I'm not well versed in fluids but I don't think it's all about the flash point. I'm sure the fluid loses some of it's properties well before the flash point. Along with other parts of the transmission (seals, gaskets, etc) before the flash point of the fluid is reached. Just a quick search shows that the ac delco dexron vi used in the 6 speeds has a flash point of 356F. I'm not saying your transmission can't run that high of a temperature without potentially causing harm but I definitely wouldn't want to be the one to find out.

Edit dexron vi has a flash point of 356 not 256.

 

[BlaineBug]

I'm not well versed in fluids but I don't think it's all about the flash point. I'm sure the fluid loses some of it's properties well before the flash point. Along with other parts of the transmission (seals, gaskets, etc) before the flash point of the fluid is reached. Just a quick search shows that the ac delco dexron vi used in the 6 speeds has a flash point of 256F. I'm not saying your transmission can't run that high of a temperature without potentially causing harm but I definitely wouldn't want to be the one to find out.

It's all about fuel mileage, at the expense of premature failures. For the climate!

 

[15burban]

It's all about fuel mileage, at the expense of premature failures. For the climate!

For the climate! Although the climate doesn't pay for my repairs so my trans thermostat is deleted and I run 5w30 in the 5.3.

 

[DontTaseMeBro]

I'm not well versed in fluids but I don't think it's all about the flash point. I'm sure the fluid loses some of it's properties well before the flash point. Along with other parts of the transmission (seals, gaskets, etc) before the flash point of the fluid is reached. Just a quick search shows that the ac delco dexron vi used in the 6 speeds has a flash point of 356F. I'm not saying your transmission can't run that high of a temperature without potentially causing harm but I definitely wouldn't want to be the one to find out.

Edit dexron vi has a flash point of 356 not 256.

Oh I totally agree. It running “safely” at the temps that mine hit is very concerning. On top of that, the fact that there are mods to mitigate this(raptor trans cooler plus a lower temp thermostat) is undeniable proof that Ford half-assed the design of the drivetrain.

 

[PPK_]

I have a ’22 f150 and a Nov build ’23 Tahoe. Ford tranny is 195 degrees at temp and the Yukon runs 144.

ford shifts like a an old drum shifted Honda 90… without using the clutch. It interesting that the GM shifts like butter.. the ford whines a higher too. Not all worn out either.. ford has only 7k on it and GM on its second tank…

 

[DontTaseMeBro]

Anyways, not to thread bump, but moving on - I'm looking for some more feedback from those who have a 6.2 and tow a 6000-7000k lb TT? How has your experience been? More then enough power? If you had to do it again, would you do dmax instead? That kind of stuff. Also, I see that there a split amongst those who say that air suspension is necessary vs those who say it's really not if you run a wds? As mentioned, I run a Blue Ox. Here is what my setup currently looks like with it. Very little sag in the back. Approx 1.5" in the rear.

 

[StephenPT]

Here’s my setup - Yukon XL SLE - stock suspension - Camco EAZ Lift w/ 800lb bars. Air suspension might be nice, but honestly it’s more stuff to break long term and it runs just fine without it.

 

[BlaineBug]

You can always add those inflatable air spring helpers to the inside of any coil spring for some additional support without altering anything else at all.

 

[StephenPT]

You can always add those inflatable air spring helpers to the inside of any coil spring for some additional support without altering anything else at all.

Not on the 21+ platform. The shock is mounted inside the coil spring…

 

[BlaineBug]

Not on the 21+ platform. The shock is mounted inside the coil spring…

No kidding, so they have rear struts now. Well, that's quite good for handling.

 

[DontTaseMeBro]

Here’s my setup - Yukon XL SLE - stock suspension - Camco EAZ Lift w/ 800lb bars. Air suspension might be nice, but honestly it’s more stuff to break long term and it runs just fine without it.
View attachment 421279

That actually looks very solid. Not any more squat than mine.

 

[olyelr]

The 6.2 is plenty good enough to tow that. I towed our 8000 tt with the wifes yukon/5.3 and it handled it just fine (kind of amazed me actually).

As far as air suspension goes…yes it can be troublesome.. but also phenomenal when working properly. With this new platform, there is currently no aftermarket support for air assist, and that has clearly been an issue with many people when reading over the forum. These rigs sit pretty damn level oem, so unless the wd hitch is setup perfectly and is actually “enough” to get everything leveled back up, you should expect the saggin-ass look when towing heavy.

 

[mplunk]

With all the talk on trans temps I hope the Yukon you're looking at has the max towing package, which includes the upgraded transmission radiator.

Also if you're into the tech stuff the tech that comes with that package is helpful as well. Specifically the trailer blind spot alert- when you have a trailer connected it extends the length of the trailer and comes on the second someone is next to it. I have the max tow on both my Escalade and Tahoe, tow with both of them, and love all the tech. Also gets you the integrated brake controller

 

[gatorintx]

Just gonna throw out another option for ya - the Wagoneer L. Has all the space you need, and with the tow package, it has a GVWR of 10k lbs, easily class-leading. We towed a 31 ft, 6500 lb trailer with my wife's Wagoneer last summer in the 100+ degree heat. It pulled easily with no issues whatsoever. The air ride suspension was great and auto-leveled the vehicle after attaching the trailer. Having said that, the Wagoneer is a turbocharged straight 6, so I understand if you're trying to get away from a turbo 6. I went for the 5.3L V8 on my Yukon XL that should be getting built next week, and it'll be our travel vehicle (we typically tow a camper once per year, though possibly will add another trip or two as the kiddos get older). I figured it's tried and true and should be able to manage what we need. Anyway, just some food for thought!

 

[StephenPT]

With all the talk on trans temps I hope the Yukon you're looking at has the max towing package, which includes the upgraded transmission radiator.

Also if you're into the tech stuff the tech that comes with that package is helpful as well. Specifically the trailer blind spot alert- when you have a trailer connected it extends the length of the trailer and comes on the second someone is next to it. I have the max tow on both my Escalade and Tahoe, tow with both of them, and love all the tech. Also gets you the integrated brake controller

This is a great point OP needs to consider when looking for a 6.2L - HD cooling only comes with Max Tow Pkg on gas engines. It's standard with the diesel. Easiest tell-tale when looking online at used ones is to look for the integrated trailer brake controller - just to the left of the steering wheel on the switch panel.

Also, Max Tow Pkg gets you the trailering menu which allows syncing trailer tpms sensors to monitor tire pressure and temperature.

 

[DontTaseMeBro]

With all the talk on trans temps I hope the Yukon you're looking at has the max towing package, which includes the upgraded transmission radiator.

Also if you're into the tech stuff the tech that comes with that package is helpful as well. Specifically the trailer blind spot alert- when you have a trailer connected it extends the length of the trailer and comes on the second someone is next to it. I have the max tow on both my Escalade and Tahoe, tow with both of them, and love all the tech. Also gets you the integrated brake controller

This is a great point OP needs to consider when looking for a 6.2L - HD cooling only comes with Max Tow Pkg on gas engines. It's standard with the diesel. Easiest tell-tale when looking online at used ones is to look for the integrated trailer brake controller - just to the left of the steering wheel on the switch panel.

Also, Max Tow Pkg gets you the trailering menu which allows syncing trailer tpms sensors to monitor tire pressure and temperature.

100% - all of the Yukons I’ve looked at have the Max Trailering package. I wouldn’t even consider one without it.

 

[DontTaseMeBro]

Just gonna throw out another option for ya - the Wagoneer L. Has all the space you need, and with the tow package, it has a GVWR of 10k lbs, easily class-leading. We towed a 31 ft, 6500 lb trailer with my wife's Wagoneer last summer in the 100+ degree heat. It pulled easily with no issues whatsoever. The air ride suspension was great and auto-leveled the vehicle after attaching the trailer. Having said that, the Wagoneer is a turbocharged straight 6, so I understand if you're trying to get away from a turbo 6. I went for the 5.3L V8 on my Yukon XL that should be getting built next week, and it'll be our travel vehicle (we typically tow a camper once per year, though possibly will add another trip or two as the kiddos get older). I figured it's tried and true and should be able to manage what we need. Anyway, just some food for thought!

I’ve thought about them but don’t they have anemic payload capacities? I know something like a Denali XL can be had with about 1500lbs but I believe the Wagoneer L doesn’t even break 1400lbs when loaded with options?

 

[StephenPT]

Wagoneers are pretty loaded with options - The more "stuff" the less payload, as I'm sure you're well aware.

For a reference point - my Yukon XL SLE Diesel - 9-Seat config has a payload of 1583lbs - go up to an SLT or Denali and that number only goes down from there. FYI - the 3.0 Duramax is about 65lbs heavier than the 6.2 V8 so you'll gain back a bit of payload if you go that route.