GMC Yukon / Yukon Denali

jas · November 2004

One other thing on the air filter. You need to look at restriction versus filter capability. In some cases, increased air flow can mean reduced filtering. If you way out the cost of gas versus reduced engine life, it may not make sense.

If you go to the internet, opinions on air filters are numerous and people seem to have a real passion for this subject. Kind of like talking about the best football team or politics.

I purchased a K&N filter and ran it for awhile. Then a friend pointed out how much non filtered light you can see through it.

For most people, this is not a problem. Occasionally I am on really dusty roads (i.e. during hunting season) and did not want to risk the dirt. I went with a AMSOIL foam filter. This design is heavily used on off road dirt bikes and figured it would give me the best flow and the best filtering characteristics for dusty conditions.

I did not see any difference between the AMSOIL and K&N. My total gas mileage improvement for the exhaust and filter is at the most 1mpg.

But, depending on the wind, you can see a 2mpg difference in fuel, so it is really hard to test.

jas · November 2004

I think your biggest notice will be with wavy roads when the truck seems like it will oscillate alot. This will be more dramatic, the more your vehicle is loaded. The thing is, will you notice that you are not oscillation as much?

I would think the ride would be a little smoother around town as the truck does not have to be as firm when empty.

Obviously it will not be the difference between a truck and a caddy.

Some of my buddies back in Detroit say they notice the difference and some do not. I guess it depends on how calibrated your butt is.

I am comparing mine to a 90 full size blazer which is not a real comparison. But I do not notice alot of rocking and rolling and the ride seems really good.

75% of my driving is with a load.

frank310 · November 2004

Will do with the gas milage. Just an FYI if it helps, this past Saturday I drove to my sister's house in PA computer states I drove 151.9 miles, fuel used 9.5 gallons, avg miles per gallon 17.3. These are round trip figures.
The back up camera was installed by Model Electronics in Nanuet, NY. They do the warranty work on GM radios so they know their stuff. The camera activates when trans is put in reverse. They are giong to install a switch so I can also manually view the rear if I need to. You have two camera choices, the first is a "Plate Cam" which is a camera in a license plate frame, the second is a camera mounted flush in the rear bumper. I got the camera mounted in the bumper a few inches to the left of the license plate. It looks like a reverse sensor on an Escalade. If you like I will take pictures and post (if some how possible here) or email them to you. I do not know the brand of camera. You can also have a set up where you can have the second row dvd system play on the nav screen or install a secondary dvd player and play on the nav screen. Again this is with the factory nav system.

lobsenza · November 2004

The passenger side has the rear A/C unit. So, I doubt you will gain much storage on that side. I would look before you cut.

tdoh · November 2004

Does anybody know what navigation disc version comes with the factory-installed nav units on '04 Denalis/Escalades? I ask because:

1) The version on my '04 DXL (bought 12/03) is ver. 1.0;

2) I've seen version 2.0 discs for sale on Ebay;

3) '05 models currently come with ver. 3.0, which are also obtainable (every once in a while) on Ebay.

Given that the previous-gen GM navigation unit (the one offered on '03 and '04 Denalis and Escalades) was first offered in '03 model year, one might assume that ver 1.0 came in '03, ver 2.0 in '04, and ver 3.0 in '05. Put it another way--when did ver 2.0 come out such that ver 1.0 was still being included in new '04-model year vehicles as late as 12/03? If somehow 2.0 didn't come out until calendar year 2004, then why would 3.0 come out relatively so soon (not even a year)? Most car navigation map disc revisions typically are released no less frequently than once a year, so I would find it somewhat hard to believe that 2.0 wasn't released until calendar year 2004.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that--based on the above facts--I would think that my '04 DXL should have come with a 2.0 nav disc, yet somehow I wound up with a 1.0 disc...in which case I feel I should be entitled to a free copy/upgrade/exchange to at least a 2.0 disc...but I wanted to have my facts straight and/or anecdotal evidence before making such a demand.

Thanks!

denaliman · November 2004

1st off can version 3.0 work on the navigation system on the 04 Denali w/o touch screen. Where can I purchase the upgraded copy?

Denali owners need to get another web sight to discuss and exchange information. I was able to get new nav CD upgrades and map upgrades for free off of a BMW web sight for my X5. Can anyone burn me a copy of version 3.0 for California?

tdoh · November 2004

Good question; I would think that it should still work on a non-TNR unit, at least according to the info posted by one Ebay seller (Delphi Nav units built 2002 or later). Also on Ebay, there is at least one seller selling a used INR (he installed it in his '04 Silverado, IIRC) unit w/ the 3.0 disc...so I imagine that it's quite possible that the 3.0 disc/firmware should work with the INR units.

I'm tempted to buy a copy off of Ebay but I wanted to see if, based on my argument (see my previous post) about what version I should have received w/ my '04, I might be entitled to a free copy/upgrade to either 2.0 or--even better--3.0 from the dealer. Of course, w/o any hardcore proof (and no, I wouldn't bother asking the dealer this question since of course he'll probably try to say that '04 is supposed to come w/ 1.0 just to get me to pay for 2.0 or 3.0) that I should have originally received at least 2.0, I wouldn't have much ammunition to take with me to the dealer if/when I do make my demand. ;-)

C'mon, can anybody please answer my question? Surely I can't be the only one in this forum who owns an '04 Denali w/ the INR option...or am I?

ljnelson · November 2004

Sounds very tempting. I am very interested in seeing pictures. Since I am in MD, I would probably not be up to a trip to NY to see Model Electronics. I have done extensive auto eletronics installs (including remote starts on my 00/02 Yukon/Burb and headrest monitor DVD system on my 02 Burb) but am really interested in knowing what hardware they used and whether or not they would sell direct to me to do the work. If you have a contact up there I would be interested in calling them as well. I do not yet have the Denali XL but this type of upgrade, its cost and function, could impact how soon I make the move. That and what kind of deal GM will make LOL.... Anyway, my e-mail is nelsoje@direcway.com if you would send the pix when you have a minute.
Thanks in advance,
Lee

ljnelson · November 2004

I am interested in what parts you used for the exhaust and the work you did to move the tire. What about exhaust tip, did you match the factory or replace the original? Also, any chance you have any pictures? I bet it looks sharp and different since it is rather challenging to do. As I mentioned in my camera post, I am still looking at the Denali but have the itch. I usually resolve these itches sooner than later! I am really at a dilema as I do not want to get into a Denali this winter and then find out the 07 will be an early release next winter (as I have heard rumored) and really push my buttons! If you have any pix and want to e-mail my address is nelsoje@direcway.com.

Thanks for the input,

Lee

jas · November 2004

I had been layed up a couple of days with the flu, so did not get a chance to look up the part numbers.

I will look them up this weekend and take some pictures provided it is not raining.

I used 3" 45-degree chamfer tips, 18" long. For some reason, the '03 denali did not have the oblong exhaust tip. But if you like the look, I am sure you could get a second factory one and have them installed.

blckislandguy · November 2004

Just curious, was the dreaded cold start piston slap/knock present in the 6.0 or just in the smaller 5.3 (?) Tahoe/Yukon (non-Denali) GM engines? If it was present in the Denali 6.0 engine has GM cured it? With which model year? Do the '03 and '04 models have CSK?

avolvofan · November 2004

There were complaints in 2001 about the cold start knock condition with the 6.0 liter that was in the Denali. I had a 2001 Denali, however, no cold start knock. In my present 2003 Denali, I also have not experienced the cold start knock. Based on my experience, I would think that the cold start knock condition is not affecting all engines.

beach15 · November 2004

GM redesigned a few internal parts for the '03 model year and beyond 5.3 engine, and possibly the 6.0 too, to cure the knocking. '02s and before most commonly have the issue--our '02 Av had it very slightly some mornings but our '04 Suburban has made no sound ever.

blckislandguy · November 2004

Does anyone know when GM is going to makeover the Tahoe/Yukon/Denali/'Slade line? Any details about content?

The local dealers seem to have a lot of '04 XL sitting around but not the standard length version. I'll bet that if you didn't mind the length that you could get a great deal now on an XL. One new color for '05 that looks great is a dark grey, "steel grey".

beach15 · November 2004

...this was just posted one page up by me. It's large spy pics of a redesigned Yukon (1st pic) and a new Tahoe (2nd pic), both the new "short" versions. The site says their '07 models and that may be true, but a lot of people and other sources have said their '06s...which wouldn't seem too off considering how these two test mules are pretty much done.

Anyway, look here:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?n=178&sid=178&a- rticle=7703

jas · November 2004

Muffler: Magnaflo #14568
Resonators: Magnaflo #10416
Extenstions: 18" x 3" - 45 degree slash cut
insulation for critical close areas, also can be put above muffler area for added noise reduction: ZEROCLEARANCE Thermal and Acoustic Barrier. Get it from coolandquiet.com

skipro03 · November 2004

03 dxl center console covers chipping and peeling. any ideas or a dealer issue. thanks

avolvofan · November 2004

Sounds like a trip to the dealer is in order. There is no way you should be expected to "live with it", when your truck is still under factory warranty. However, curiousity overwhelms me - are you referring to the two spring-loaded covers for the space between the dash and the top that is hinged to the storage unit between the driver and front passenger seats? (The units cover the cigarette lighter/ashtray area and the beverage cupholder.)

obyone · November 2004

I had the same issue with the peeling paint. Rather than going to the dealer to have it replaced, I opted for a different look.

http://www.exoticwooddash.com/bit3.asp

Enter flat dash kit under products then the year and make of your vehicle. Their oem matching kits does an excellent job.

Just another option.

jjdavidson · November 2004

According to the Future Vehicles here on Edmunds.com the Yukon redesigns will be out in Spring 2006 as a 2007 model.

blckislandguy · November 2004

It gets foggy out here on Block Island and we have a lot of deer. After you get over the fact that you can't get Zenons on this 50K SUV (GM knows that nobody ever went broke by underestimating the American public), what can you do about the lighting? Some Silver Star bulbs?

The "fogs" are similarly anemic. Unlike even a Jeep Grand Cherokee the Denali fogs seem mostly cosmetic. Any ideas? Maybe rip out the present fog lights and get Hellas to go in there?

paisan · November 2004

Doesn't the Denali have HIDs from the factory?

Either way I use Hella 4000s on my Trooper, very good stuff far better than any OEM lights I've ever seen. If you want something "smaller" I use the Micro DE HIDs on my SVX and they are pretty good, way better than stock.

-mike

jas · November 2004

I think the stock headlights and high beams are pretty good.

I agree about the driving lights - they are more for show, then showing you the road.

PIAA makes some small projection lights that would fit and seem to be pretty good. Does anybody have any experience with the various styles or is there a better option?

frank310 · November 2004

Emailed you some pics today of the rear view camera that works thru my factory nav screen. Sorry I took so long. If you need anything else just email me back.

tdoh · November 2004

Paisan--nope, no factory HIDs on the Denalis...GM can't put all that good Esky-only stuff on a GMC--it would "cheapen" the Esky's retail value. ;-)

I replaced the low-beam halogens on my DXL with HIDs, and the fogs with Silverstar equivalents (BTW--with the SS fog bulbs I can definitely tell if they're on, other than by looking at the fog switch idiot light indicator).

blckislandguy · November 2004

What was involved in putting in the HIDs on the Denali? Just call a Caddy parts department and buy the units? Thanks.

lobsenza · November 2004

The Caddy lights are COMPLETELY different than the Denali. You would have to buy a front end....

2xdenaliowner · November 2004

I'm new to the forum but am interested in a rearview camera mod that works with the factory nav system. Can you send me the link? My e-mail address is: lcander357@yahoo.com

blckislandguy · November 2004

So, if you can't rob them from a Caddy, how do you put HIDs on a Denali?

tidester · November 2004

I'm new to the forum ... My e-mail address is ...

You might be interested to learn that forums work best when people participate in them by interacting and sharing knowledge. People are less likely to take the time to compose a private email which deprives others of helpful information.

Stick around!

tidester, host

cornellpinoy · November 2004

While the actual headlamp assemblies are different, you can install the bulbs and ballasts from the Escalade into the Denali. I know this because I was at a body shop and saw a DXL that was heavily modified in the interior and under the hood. As I was checking out the supercharger, the shop owner pointed out the Cadillac OEM HID ballasts and said it wasn't very difficult to install.

paisan · November 2004

Hmm I'm almost positive they had HIDs in the Denali at some point. They are projector HIDS for the low beams at least they used to be.

-mike

cornellpinoy · November 2004

The headlights on the Denali are different from those of the Yukon & Tahoe no doubt. The low beams of the Denali actually use high beam bulbs, with a diffuser in front of the bulb and an adapter in the wiring harness. Kind of a creative way of giving that projector beam look. If you walk around the front of the truck with the lights on, that combination of a higher wattage bulb and the diffuser really does make one think its a projector beam headlight.

paisan · November 2004

They are projection beam for sure, not sure if they are HIDs though. Prjection beams are different than HIDs though.

-mike

frank310 · November 2004

The installer is Model Electronics in Nanuet NY. www.modelelectronics.com There website did not mention they can do this at the time I found out, I got the tip from one of the guys in the parts dept at the dealer.

jammon1 · November 2004

I was interested in the backup camera through the navigation monitor as well. I searched and found three products that will allow you to run any AV source through the naviation monitor. I also called Model Electronics in NY. PAC, Nav-TV, and AVElectronics all make a "video switch" that will connect to the GM navigation monitor. They can also be hooked up to a DVD player or other AV source. The AVElectronics unit includes a "automatic switch" wire that connects to your reverse indicator (backup lights) so that the camera automatically switches from nav to camera. The nav continues to function while the backup camera is on. Model Electronics in NY was custom wiring their installations to do the automatic switching. If you do not wire for automatic switching you have to use a manual switch mounted somewhere to go between the navigation or backup camera. To me that is not very useful if you have to manually remember to switch the monitor to the backup camera. I know my wife would never flip the switch to see the camera. I am currently working with a local audio shop to do a custom install of the AVElectronics video switch and a camera. The camera will be mounted in the void area just above the receiver hitch. They are going to havea piece of metal cut to fit the void, mount the camera in the center. It shoud look and work good when it is finished.

skipro03 · December 2004

Yes. Paint is also chipping of on the other part of the dash that is painted with the same paint.

sp976 · December 2004

Rearview camera:

http://www.nav-tv.com/index02.htm

http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/customer/home.php?cat=704

sp976 · December 2004

Does anyone have the GM part# for the 20" factory wheels offered on the 2005 Denali?

frank310 · December 2004

Thanks for the info. My camera does go on automatically when I put the trans in reverse, I do not have to push a switch. But they did install a switch so I can manually turn it on at any given time. They had several choices for the camera mount, 1)Flush mount on bumper 2)License Plate Cam 3)A mount above or to the right of the hitch.

frank310 · December 2004

Go to gmpartsdirect.com. They are all there with the part numbers. They respond to all questions by email.

tdoh · December 2004

cornellpinoy--do you know off the top of your head what bulbs (or technically, capsules) are used in the Esky HID setup, i.e., are they D2R or D2S? Because if the Esky HID setup uses either one, there is (IIRC) no way you can properly/correctly insert either bulb/capsule in an OEM NBS Denali headlight housing w/o modification of the bulb opening on the housing...however, I could very well be wrong here so please correct me if I am.

blkislandguy--you could use the OEM Esky HID capsules and ballasts on a Denali, but unless you can get them for dirt cheap you'd be better off buying a 9005 HID retrofit kit (yes, I know it's illegal to go this route in the U.S.--I'm "suggesting" this only because blkislandguy asked)

paisan--definitely no OEM HID on either OBS or NBS Denali...or at least not on any meant for sale in the U.S. And yes, the low-beam portion of the Denali headlight housing is a projector...making it better suited for aftermarket HID applications. I'm not saying that such a setup is ideal (beam pattern and/or glare-wise) compared to OEM HID applications, but at least it's much better than what you'd get from sticking in aftermarket HIDs in say, a NBS Tahoe/Suburban OEM headlight housing, which isn't a projector-type one.

tdoh · December 2004

I had been considering going the "backup camera through the factory nav screen" route...until I installed a Pioneer AVP-6600DVD head unit. :-P

Now I just need to buy a backup camera...

blckislandguy · December 2004

OK, I've read Car and Driver for most of the 50 years its been published and am a registered car nut. But what the heck is a OBS or a NBS Denali? What is a "9005" HID Kit? (It sounds like a CA zip code.) What do they cost? Why would it be illegal to retrofit a HID kit to a Denali when its sibling (the Escalade) already has HID? IIRC? Something to do with an International Race of Champions?

cornellpinoy · December 2004

OBS = old body style
NBS = new body style
IIRC = if i remember correctly

HID retro kits are the wiring harnesses & hardware needed to correctly fit/connect an HID bulb to a vehicle that was not equipped with an HID bulb from the factory. In the case for the Denali, it would need a 9005 HID retro kit, since the factory bulb size is 9005. These kits are illegal in some (most) jurisdictions since the non-HID headlamp assemblies don't distribute the new beam pattern correctly and cause a lot of glare to oncoming traffic.

cornellpinoy · December 2004

Having not seen the actual bulb on the '03-'04 Escalade, I can't say for sure if it does use a D2R/D2S capsule. No doubt, those are larger in size than the 9005 bulb, but since companies (Xetronic for one) do sell kits, it may be possible for it to fit into the OEM housing.

But you really got me thinking about this, so I looked up my latest Mitchell Collision/Reference Guide. Interestingly enough, the '03-'04 Escalade has a different part number and higher list price for the low beam bulb only. The high beam bulb is the same as the Denali. And there is no ballast/igniter listed as a seperate part for the Escalade either (unlike the Seville & CTS which do). So I'm beginning to think the Escalade may not have a true HID system after all. The next time I see an '03-'04 Escalade (or another modified Denali) at one of the shops I frequent, I'll take a closer look at the headlamp setup and let you know what I find.

cornellpinoy · December 2004

I stand corrected. I looked a little closer at the Mitchell diagram for the Escalade headlamp assembly. Although there is not a part number listed, the low beam bulb wiring harness does lead to an igniter/ballast. However, I still don't know exactly what type of low beam bulb it uses.

2xdenaliowner · December 2004

Point taken...thanks for the tip!

2xdenaliowner · December 2004

Thank you for help...I'll contact Nav-TV to see if they have any installers in Maryland or somewhere close by and let you know how everything goes.

Leonard

flyingdutchman · December 2004

What was total cost and how long did it take? Also, where did they mount the switch? Thanks

GMC Yukon / Yukon Denali

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