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A high option SLT is really close to a denali except like you said the gauges are different, painted bumpers, seats have an additional stitching, the grill.. I was hard up on getting a Denali but a couple of things I don't like is the electronic side steps and the magnetic ride control shocks. My buddy has a denali with the electric side steps and I move faster than they do so they end up catching me in the shin or half tripping me when getting out. Annoys me so I'd personally prefer to not have them. And for the magnetic shocks/struts, I'm sure they are great but if you plan to keep the truck long you should price them for when it comes to replace them, I believe it was around 2k for a set of shocks/struts. That was enough for me to look for a high option SLT.
Yep, I have finally decided on the SLT models. Its just too much money for just a few things different. Plus if I do keep it a long time the mods that I can see my self doing would void out the electric steps and the magnetic shocks. (I would probably lower it a few inches) As far as the painted bumpers......Im pretty handy with a paint gun so im not worried about them anymore. I have found a truck that I do like but my only concern is of any known issues with the 16-18 models. The one im looking at is a 2017 at 30,xxx miles. If im not mistaken these came with a 36,000 mile factory warranty. Anything major that I need to look out for? Small stuff im not worried about because I can wrench on it my self but major things, ie 8speed trans, engine, DOD stuff? The DOD is something I want to replaced down the road but for the near future I plan on CAI and that is it.
I have a 17 Silverado and my wife has a 16 Suburban. I modded and beat on/repaired many 99-06 trucks and SUVs... the one thing I can say is that GMs lack of ingenuity is a good thing for the garage mechanic... troubleshooting my wife's burb is as easy as it was 12 years ago on my 06 Sierra. The same factory flaws and advantages exist today that did then minus a few more locked control modules.
The same issues exist but are easy to remedy in my opinion... it's sad to admit but I bought both of my current vehicles out of familiarity vs. what I though was the best offering/value. Maybe one day I'll grow a brain and branch out but for the ease of "well at least I know what's gonna break" I can say GM is the way to go. The trim level advantage still remains as well... the top of the line stuff will be dated and costing you repair money long before the lower/mid-tier proven equipment gives up.
Yep, I have finally decided on the SLT models. Its just too much money for just a few things different. Plus if I do keep it a long time the mods that I can see my self doing would void out the electric steps and the magnetic shocks. (I would probably lower it a few inches) As far as the painted bumpers......Im pretty handy with a paint gun so im not worried about them anymore. I have found a truck that I do like but my only concern is of any known issues with the 16-18 models. The one im looking at is a 2017 at 30,xxx miles. If im not mistaken these came with a 36,000 mile factory warranty. Anything major that I need to look out for? Small stuff im not worried about because I can wrench on it my self but major things, ie 8speed trans, engine, DOD stuff? The DOD is something I want to replaced down the road but for the near future I plan on CAI and that is it.
Again thank you guys for all of your insight!
The most common issues I see on them at the shop is condenser leaks and a/c lines, but that was on the 14's mostly. Should be long gone by 17.
Driveline vibrations - A lot of people are all over the map on this and think tires etc... Mine has it and I have the axle flanges that have a little run out but they aren't causing the vibration, my drive shaft, u joints, or joint angle during axle wrap is causing it. Still gotta mess with that. I have no tire vibrations or anything else. And I've driven many of the 14+ trucks and so far mine is the only one out of all of them that has a vibration. The others have ranged from 2014-2017 and none had an issue.
Drive shafts popping/breaking at around 130 ish mph or so - This is only a long truck 2wd issue. The shorter trucks and the 4wd trucks have shorter drive shafts
DOD issues - really hit or miss but usually occurs at high mileage.
For what it's worth, I bought my truck with 113k miles because I'm that confident in them. Just turned 125k and I haven't had any issues except the leaking condenser that affected all 2014's and the vibration. I checked my u joint angles and they are good so I think I just have a funny u joint, they do have over 100k on them so I'll try those next.
Well.....I'm the new owner of a 2017 GMC Sierra Crew Cab Z71. I have to say that so far I love this thing! 5.3l 8 speed. Fully loaded just like a Denali with out the Denali payment. Can't be any happier!
Oct 19, 2018 | 11:18 AM
