Looking at a winter-beater.

[Charlie207]

(I moved this from a different thread for better visibility)

My current 2014 Yukon does not like this cold weather or all the salt, so I'm looking at a winter-rig. I came across this, and would appreciate some input/thoughts: 2010 Yukon Denali w/203k. Transmission replaced at ~100k. It's used as a 3rd vehicle and would be a private sale even though the pics are at a dealership. It's the dealer's parent's 3rd car/private car. It's for sale as it was no longer needed.

Here are the current listing photos, but I'm told there will be more soon. They're asking $4,850, but would probably take $4,000.

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Rust spots:

Carfax:
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Some conversation with the seller (formatted to fit here):

"I can absolutely send you the VIN. I’ll also attach a copy of the Carfax for it. I am a car dealer, but this is actually been in our family since 2014 so that is why I listed it for my sister yeah between 100 and 115,000 miles the engine was overhauled by banks Chevrolet for an oil consumption issue and then the transmission was done right afterwards.

This has been a spare vehicle for them for the last couple years is just being used to haul a horse trailer during show weekends. Recent work includes O2 sensor a knock sensor. Front wheel bearings tires and new rear air shocks they actually have it in the garage now thawing out and getting the snow off it so I’ll be able to get you some more photos of underneath pretty soon.

The rust is not crazy. It was under Covid for quite a few years but as a older Yukon, it is starting to show so that’s why I mentioned it because it is not brand new."

"But as far as operation, everything operates properly with no issues the reason they are getting rid of it is because they purchased another horse so they now need a gooseneck style horse trailer, so they upgraded to a super duty pickup truck."


What do we think? I'd throw a BBP engine/AT tune at it asap to keep the 6L80 rolling.

 

[Sir_Hiro]

It has aftermarket trailer brake controller on it so It was used as a towrig for something decently sized. I would for sure check the trans fluid and change all fluid IMO. It looks clean tho. I've spent alot more on alot worse. 4k Is a decent price.

 

[Charlie207]

It has aftermarket trailer brake controller on it so It was used as a towrig for something decently sized. I would for sure check the trans fluid and change all fluid IMO. It looks clean tho. I've spent alot more on alot worse. 4k Is a decent price.

Yeah, about the trailer... they said that it had been used to occasionally tow a single-horse trailer, but not as a daily-driver. They got more horses, so upgraded to a Ford Super Dooty with a goose-neck.

He also says there's a ton of paperwork to go along with it, including the transmission rebuild.

I'm thinking that if that rust is the extent of it, then it would almost be a deal. We'll see how it looks in person later this week.

 

[j91z28d1]

guys are paying 5k for tranny rebuilds. it's the 6.2 right? part out worth more than you pay for. especially if you're willing to ship the cats Cali lol.

 

[Charlie207]

guys are paying 5k for tranny rebuilds. it's the 6.2 right? part out worth more than you pay for. especially if you're willing to ship the cats Cali lol.

We'll see how clapped out it is, and if it comes home with me. And... then how it drives after the winter.

Might be nice to have a stock daily driver, and a project car. (or two project cars?).

You can drop an AWD GMT900, right?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I have the XL version of the truck, and a few years older. My truck has taken in stride everything that the NH winter can throw at it.

 

[Charlie207]

especially if you're willing to ship the cats Cali lol.

How much are people paying in CA for complete/intact cats or complete y-pipe?

Yeah, it's supposedly a 6.2.... I assume because of the VIN and Denali badges.

 

[intheburbs]

Check the front diff, too. That was a bit painful to replace on mine.

 

[Charlie207]

Check the front diff, too. That was a bit painful to replace on mine.

Will the center diff. leak if you pull the front driveshaft?

 

[intheburbs]

Will the center diff. leak if you pull the front driveshaft?

The center diff is actually in the front of the front diff, if that makes sense. That's why the Denali front diff is unique and more expensive than regular 4wd trucks. I think the replacement was like $1300,if memory serves.

When I bought mine used, the front diff pinion was leaking, so I had them replace the seal before I signed the deal.

 

[Charlie207]

The center diff is actually in the front of the front diff, if that makes sense. That's why the Denali front diff is unique and more expensive than regular 4wd trucks. I think the replacement was like $1300,if memory serves.

When I bought mine used, the front diff pinion was leaking, so I had them replace the seal before I signed the deal.

I miss-spoke... I meant the transfer case (behind AT, with the planetary). I suppose I answered my own question, and because it's a planetary transfer case instead of a traditional high/low 4wd transfer case, the torque would just spin the disconnected front output shaft and my dreams of cheap 2wd burnouts is a non-starter.

I watching this video last night to get a visual of the AWD transfer case (Borg-Warner 4486), and it's pretty obvious in hindsight. However, the video also highlighted how simple the transfer case is, so that's cool. When I get some free time I'm going to try to find the a video that shows the guts of the AWD front diff housing.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If you end up with a failed front differential, LKQ has used ones at very reasonable prices.

 

[Charlie207]

If you end up with a failed front differential, LKQ has used ones at very reasonable prices.

I think the idea of a cheap winter rig is quickly spiraling out of control... lol.


- de-chromed (eww)
- BBP Tune
- lowered
- ???

I still haven't seen it in person yet.

I've also been looking at a 530xi wagon, XC90, GMT900 Suburban 2500. So far they all seem to have more condition issues, and are the same, or more expensive, with similar mileages. Anything under ~$4500 is a severely rusted out whoopdie.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Dude. For $4000, that's a very nice winter beater.

 

[Charlie207]

Welp, they pulled the transmission pan this morning and this is what it looks like. I assume this is pretty bad.

 

[Charlie207]

My mechanic looked at the pic, and said he's seen worse that lasted a long time, and better that failed.

The seller is going to change the fluid and filter, and drive it around a bit. Currently there are no transmission codes per their shop's scanner.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Don't lose hope yet. Had I $5000 to blow my nose with, I'd've already made a counteroffer.

 

[Charlie207]

Don't lose hope yet. Had I $5000 to blow my nose with, I'd've already made a counteroffer.

You're not wrong. He did the ATF & filter service, and is driving it around for a bit, and will drop the pan later today to send me pics. (allegedly!?)

I'm not going to look at it today, but maybe this weekend if it doesn't refill the pan with sparkles. I'm definitely going to be adjusting my offer price.

In the meantime I'm chatting with a person about a 2013 Suburban 2500, and another person with a 2008 Avalanche. I really aught to be looking at a pickup with all the projects I have ahead with the new house... we'll see.

The asking prices are starting to creep up past what I want to invest in this moonshot... and I'm wondering if it makes more sense (of course it does) to just deal with my current idle/stalling issues, which will probably cost less than $4000.

 

[Charlie207]

End of the dream.... seller said AT died on test drive, and is being towed home. I was hoping to score an LS3 and have a spare rig for a bit.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Truth be told, it's still not a bad deal, but that 6L80E was breathing its last ...