1500 Yukon XL Denali vs 2500 Suburban 8.1
Hello all, As you can see from my subject line, I'm contemplating making a change from my 2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali to a 2004 Chevy Suburban (2500). I'm looking for some real world comparisons ...
Forum Discussion
ksu_j wrote:a.dog wrote:
Late to the party, but I periodically keep track of my fuel mileage here: FUELLY I'll post up my glovebox sticker with the codes, too. I actually found that helpful - thanks, BurbMan! I also found, after having the Sub in at the dealership, that it's got a 3.73 axle ratio, so... I am going to find out what the cost would be to upgrade the gears to 4.10.
Thanks for the info. That's funny that you're looking into 4.10 gears. Any reason why? I'm getting one delivered tomorrow or the next day that has 4.10 gears in it, with the 8.1 and I feel like it's going to be more than I need. Maybe you're pulling a much heavier camper? Too bad we don't live closer together. We could either swap suburbans or just swap axles, as I think I'd rather have the 3.73's! :-)
Yeah, my toy hauler is about 8500 lbs with about a 1/2-tank of water & full tank of fuel with clothes & other gear loaded before putting in the bikes. That would add another ~700 or so, and I'd prefer to leave myself more buffer between my max loaded weight & factory GCWR. I'm pretty sure the numbers they use from the factory are about preserving the transmission & keeping the temps down, since the only difference between mine & BurbMan's (if I understand correctly) is the gear ratio & the fact he has a LSD in the rear. The engine has no problem pulling my trailer & I've really not had any issues, but I'd prefer the buffer, so I'm looking into what upgrades make sense during the years I plan to keep this tow vehicle before I can realistically afford to upgrade to a proper diesel truck. I'm considering installing Hellwig sway bars on the sub to help stabilize it further, and I've just added a Hypertech tuner to the mix to see if I can eek out a little better fuel mileage.
Keep us updated on all the details of your new tow vehicle when you get it. First thing I noticed when I went from driving our prior 2006 1/2-ton Suburban with the 5.3L engine to test driving the 2004 3/4-ton Suburban with the 8.1L engine - just touch the throttle & it wants to jump! That big engine is a beast!
