Hello All

[bad_idea]

New member here. Just bought a 2018 Yukon XL Denali yesterday. I found this forum while researching the vehicle. Thanks for gathering all of this knowledge in one place. This is the newest GM I have owned, last one was a 2002 Z28 and the one before that was a 1979 Camaro. Looking for a list of common modifications to improve the performance and reliability of the vehicle with no noticeable effect on driving experience, as this is the wife's daily. I plan to use the vehicle for family road trips hauling my jeep on a trailer.

I know on the LS1s (like in my 02 Z28) a catch can was a common mod for overall reliability. Looking for things of that nature. Suggestions? Thanks all.

 

[Fless]

Welcome to TYF from Colorado!

 

[B-train]

Welcome from WI.

I'd recommend something to deactivate the AFM (range device or custom tuning). I have used a range in my 2017 Denali for 90k miles and it's been great.

As you've probably read, there are common issues with the motor and Trans. I'd recommend religious oil changes (either 0w-20 or 5w-30 synthetic)
Since you stated you are going to tow with it, I'd probably go 5w-30. Used that weight on mine for almost 90k and it's good to go.

If it has the 8 speed trans, have it flushed and make sure it has the new ATF from GM in it, and the revised trans thermostat. There's a bulletin about it, so they should be able to look it up.

Other than that, just common sense goes a long way. They are really nice trucks and should serve you well.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, turn off AFM.

Post pics as soon as can

 

[Thrust]

Sway bars, cat back exhaust, and a tune will definitely make a noticeable improvement. How many miles are on your Denali?

 

[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.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[Miami-Dade]

Welcome from Miami Beach!

 

[Tahoe14]

Welcome from Central Florida. The Yukon Denali is a nice ride and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

[bad_idea]

It has the 10 speed auto in it. It has 80k miles on it. This is the only pic of it I have. Wife took this pic when we got it home the other night. It's very clean, was a one owner car, previous owner took it to the dealer for everything.

What is a range device? I am fairly auto savvy, but the newest vehicle I have modified was my 02 Z28 when I had that.

 

[SpyShops212]

The range disables the DOD which cause lifters to collapse. It only works for the 2018 not the 2019-2020 with rhe 10-speed. Also you should change the oil using Dexo 1 certification. The lifters usually have issues around 60k and up. I would change the VLOM right away if your truck has not had the lifters done yet. Your truck is beautiful. The Michelin Defender is a better tire. You should change the license plate bulbs to LED 921 which they sell at autozone. Check the A/C filter to see if it has been changed. I updated my map data to 2023.

 

[SpyShops212]

If the front struts have not been replaced your truck is probably driving very stiff. Replace the front struts OEM only.

 

[bad_idea]

The range disables the DOD which cause lifters to collapse. It only works for the 2018 not the 2019-2020 with rhe 10-speed. Also you should change the oil using Dexo 1 certification. The lifters usually have issues around 60k and up. I would change the VLOM right away if your truck has not had the lifters done yet. Your truck is beautiful. The Michelin Defender is a better tire. You should change the license plate bulbs to LED 921 which they sell at autozone. Check the A/C filter to see if it has been changed. I updated my map data to 2023.

Bro... there are so many abbreviations in this post I am not following. I am fairly mechanically inclined - have built a couple older cars. But have little experience with the newer stuff.

What is a DOD? I work for the Department of Defense, but I do not believe that is what you are referring to.
What is a VLOM?

Also, the license plate light seems like a very random thing to upgrade. Why do you suggest upgrading the bulb?

Those are the tires that came on it. I'll run them till they are worn out and then look at new tires then.

Will check the HVAC filter. Thanks.

I assume the map data is for the onboard navigation system? I'm not paying GM for data usage, I'll use CarPlay to use the maps on my phone. (I assume that's how that works, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Thank you for the help. Genuinely mean that, looking to get a solid 10-15 years out of this vehicle with minimal issues. I appreciate any input that will extend service life.

 

[bad_idea]

If the front struts have not been replaced your truck is probably driving very stiff. Replace the front struts OEM only.

I have magneride on the truck. I have been looking into deleting that and changing the suspension over to a more traditional setup. I would have bought one without magneride, but this one was a good deal. Fortunately the truck is riding nice right now, so no need to worry about it right this minute.

 

[B-train]

DOD a.k.a AFM refers to the way the engine shuts off cylinders while running for better fuel economy.

VLOM is a component related to the AFM system. I'm not well versed on this because I can use a range Device to electronically keep the AFM turned off. It is something that has to do with the oil pressure/distribution for the AFM lifters. Basically just stay super A N A L about keeping clean oil and a good filter on it and that should help mitigate any failures due to components getting gunned up with age.

As for the magna-ride. I'd just run what you brung until it gives a service light or the ride goes to shit. If you don't travel on crappy roads full of potholes like the Chitcago area, the struts will last a long time.

Just enjoy you new ride. I love the color!

 

[SpyShops212]

I have magneride on the truck. I have been looking into deleting that and changing the suspension over to a more traditional setup. I would have bought one without magneride, but this one was a good deal. Fortunately the truck is riding nice right now, so no need to worry about it right this minute.

Magride is the best feature for the truck. I had a 2008 with electronic suspension and a 2016 LT w/o any dampers, just regular looking shocks. I had my Escalade & Tahoe at the same time. Good thing I was leasing the Tahoe. Every time I drove the Tahoe I would regret not getting the LTZ magride. I rarely drove the Tahoe and ending up driving my Escalade 70 percent of the time. If my Tahoe had magride I would have kept it after the lease. When the shocks/struts are good they are awesome. Typically the fronts fail at 60-70k & rears at 100-110k.