Lift an AWD Denali?

[dakotap80]

I have an 06 Sierra Denali AWD and I'm wanting to lift it, but I've read and heard from multiple sources that even a small lift will cause vibrations from the transfer case.. But then I've seen lifted Denali's online that guys reportedly are having no problems with. Also, I've seen people lift AWD hummers and jeeps with no problems at all. So, is a 3 inch lift doable on a 2006 Sierra Denali, or will it cause problems? ALSO, apparently Skyjacker makes a 3" lift specifically for AWD Denali's, anyone have experience with this?

[BlackZ71Silverado]

We just had an AWD Denali in the shop today for a new exhaust install. I think it was a 2005 or 2006 so it should be almost identical to yours. I know there have been Denalis in the shop for lift kit installs but I have never actually installed a lift on one, they always come in when I am at my real job.

 

When it was up on the lift, I did notice that the front driveshaft seemed to look a little odd to me. I haven't seen one close up before today. It looked to me like it is a long CV style axel, I would think yours should be the same since it's also AWD.

 

If so, that would be the reason for the vibration you heard about after lifting your model truck because of the steeper angle a lift would put the driveshaft in. It would be similar to a steep front CV angle after installing too large of a front lift spacer and not using a front diff. drop bracket.

 

The Skyjacker 3" suspension kit is the way to go for the AWD Denali. I know that's the lift we use for them because it seems to be the only one that actually works without issue, I have just never actually installed one. If you get the Skyjacker 3" AWD kit you have nothing to worry about and the ride will be smooth.

 

If you decide on a different brand, make sure it comes with the full front diff relocation/drop kit but no more than a 3" drop. After that the angle will not work with the factory driveshaft and you will definitely need a new front shaft.

 

 

Sent from my crappy iPhone 6

using Tapatalk

[Chris]

I know lifting was a big issue on the 02-04 Denali because of Quadrasteer. But the front driveshaft wont like lifting too much.

[dakotap80]

BlackZ71Silverado,

So the people with AWD Denali's have reported no issues with the Skyjacker Lift? Also, if I already have a leveling lift in the front, would the 3" Skyjacker lift add on to that for a total of 5" of lift, or would it replace the torsion key lift for a total of 3" in the front? Thanks though, that gives me hope, I was worried I was stuck at stock height!

[Chris]

The 3" would be a spindle lift so it would add. I wouldnt recommend going that far with the Viscous Coupling AWD system though. A lot of extra components are usually changed when going above 3" on a lot of trucks. Things like torsion drops. A body lift would give you the same height and not mess with the AWD system

[dakotap80]

A body lift as in just blocks? I thought blocks were for lifting the rear only, because they cause axle wrap if used up front? Or is there another way to get a total of 3-4" up front without redoing the suspension or causing any expensive issues?

[BlackZ71Silverado]

A body lift lifts the body only, nothing else is touched and the suspension is left alone.

 

You would not use axel blocks on the front of your truck because it's IFS design.

Lift blocks are installed under the leaf springs, they sit between the axel housing and leaf pack to give you extra lift. Axel wrap usually doesn't occur until you get into the 5" lift block area from what I have seen.

 

The only safe way to get the amount of suspension lift you are looking for is to remove the leveling kit (keys) and do the Skyjacker suspension lift.

OR you can keep the leveling kit since the work is already done and have a body lift installed. A suspension kit installed with the leveling kit is asking for trouble, not very smart.

 

 

 

Sent from my crappy iPhone 6

using Tapatalk

[dakotap80]

Or yeah thats what i meant, I knew you could safely lift the back with blocks but i wasn't sure about the front. Thanks for the heads up!