Hello. Our 03 2500 Yukon XL has almost a 153,000 miles. I am starting to look for another family wagon. Don't really tow anymore w/the wagon. I love the 6.0, so I am considering a half ton w/the 6.0.

I am looking at 03-06 Denalis. What rear axle do the have, I think I have seen some 2007 & up body styles w/the 9.5, semi floater, 6-lug, 14 bolts. Do 03-06 earlier ones have the good rear in them (good compared to the 10 bolt)?
Thanx.

 

Beings all the GMT-800 Yukon Denali and Denali XL’s were AWD; correspondingly they were also all equipped with the 10-Bolt 8.625” rear with 3.73 gears. Interestingly though, not all were equipped with the G80 locking differential. As you mentioned, some GMT-900 Denali’s were available with the 9.5” semi-floater, however only in 2WD applications and not that there aren’t any, I don’t know if that’s actually the case in the SUV line. It may only be true for the trucks, but I can’t say one way or another.