Agriont

I've had my Denali 6.2l 4WD for a couple of years and have put nearly 30k miles on the ODO. I jumped to it from a 2010 Sierra SLT Z71, which was a great truck. The issue with this Denali for me is the limitation of Magneride. My truck has tongue rating of 500lbs. I tow a small toyhauler, several sleds with all of the gear, extra gas etc. I also have small tractor and 20' flatbed leftover from my SLT days. I go on snowmobile trips every winter, towing trailer sled nearly 2000 miles each way, a three day trek, two lane. Pretty isolated, so need to take with me everything I need in case I happen to get stuck along the way. The route is sketchy at the best of times. Ice roads etc. The 3500 is overkill for what I need, but it is new, has the 6.6l diesel, LTZ and Plus package, sensors, heated steering, heated/cooled leather seats etc. No lane assist though, it isn't something I use in my Denali. Other than that, it is a crew cab like the Denali, is a Z71 and currently it is selling at a significant rebate. I've been looking for a while (still not certain though) for something that would handle more payload, handle the towing, and not limit my truck life otherwise... getting to my camp etc with all of the kit I have. I currently feel like I'm driving a car in a truck skin with the Denali. I may have made a mistake giving up my SLT but the 5.3 was too light for a long haul. Love the 6.2l though. I hope this is the appropriate placing for this topic. Thoughts appreciated.

Had the transmission flush and fluid changed. Still not as liquid smooth as it was new but haven't had the kick so often between 1-2 and back. If it gets worse, I'll bring it back.

I guess I'm asking for experience from those who have made the change in terms of the vehicle they drive, specifically the 6.2 and the 8 spd. I haven't decided on a change at this point. I also, don't want to void any warranty or give GM a chance to say I didn't follow their service specifications/oil etc.

I used AMSOIL in an older vehicle because I read it was good stuff. I didn't keep the vehicle long after that so haven't the experience of seeing the benefit, which I do not doubt. I too am all in on the best oils and cold starts, heat etc. I tow a little, (3200lbs) or so, most of it during the dead of winter. I believe that maintenance is the key not only to longevity but also to performance. My question ref the transmission was specific to the shifting issues with the 8spd. If I can mitigate the problem by switching out the Mobil to AMSOIL, I will do it and the engine oil and filters too. I love this truck of mine and the 6.2 is smile maker.

I have the same truck. Recent bulletin for 8spd transmission called for a flush and Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid if you've experience rough shifts. Have you changed yours with this juice or have you used AMSOIL for the transmission as well as the engine oil?

Same but definitely notice the shift in first and second when cold. It wasn't like this when new.

Had the same thing done a couple of weeks ago. Seems a little better. Shifting is nowhere near as quiet as when it was new. Keep going back until something is found to remedy it, I plan to.

I've gotten 9.0l/100 km -- 9.9l/100 km ... highway, cruising 120km (75 mph) with occasional 130 (80 mph) to pass. Distance of 500 kms. I'm certain that it could be better if maintained 100 KPH.. (60 mph).

I agree. If I could have, I would have bought an 8' bed crew in Denali trim but with a z71 package. Works for me.

Happened twice today... 2nd to 1st... parking lot.

I'll keep it in mind.

I have a 2017 Sierra Denali 6.2 4wd. I've only heard a clunk when coming to a stop at low speed just after a cold start. Doesn't happen every time, but very noticeable when it does. I've read some folks refer to something similar with their trucks. I've got about 20k miles on it.

Other than the premium fuel requirement, I don't see a downside for the 6.2.

Digging this up because I've a 2017 Denali and thought about putting a small ultra light camper in the box and towing a 23ft snowmobile trailer.. about 2,000 lbs empty but more like 5,000 lbs loaded. GM says not to put a camper in the bed. I guess it would compress the MagneRide too much and cause some of the concerns mentioned by the OP. I am wondering what the new 2020 model is like because I think that GM discontinued use of the MagneRide.

It was a few years ago... prefer it though. Perhaps it should be an option.