2020 Transmission & Suspension vs. 2019

hotrodz37 · November 19, 2019

Nothing really changed from 2019-2020 suspension wise on T1. Engine/Transmission combinations with the 10 speed. Yes.
Now from your K2, yes. Whole new frame and all. Reduced weight can also factor in to the Suspension feel.
However, Suspension is a loose term. You have to consider the package types in this. Such as Z71/X31 Vs 2wd, 4wd Max Tow etc.
The list goes on and on.
OP, I recommend you test drive several trim levels/suspension packages to see what fits your comfort level best.
Compared to your 2014 K2, A 19 or 20 T1 with similar setup may ride better or worse to you.
Same with the Transmission.
Although a 2020 model will give you more options with the 10 speed combo over a leftover '19 model this late in the year.
Good luck!

Thanks Dan, and I agree with you on test driving multiple trucks. I had read that the leaf springs are different on the 2020’s but not sure which package, etc. One member said it was a pretty significant difference over the 2019 he had.

That being said, to get into a 2020 SLT with the 10 speed I would have to get a 4x4 which I’m not necessarily against but in my 16 years of driving I have never needed it (South Florida and now Austin Texas), so don’t really want the added expense. Granted it will be worth more down the road so I guess it’s a wash.

There is a 2019 Denali that’s relatively stripped down, which still has absolutely everything and the interior is the dark brown instead of tan or black, really looks sharp. Like the digital gauges as well. I can get that truck for $45k vs a 2020 SLT 4wd for $47 ish. Leaning towards the Denali at this point but will make a final decision once I test drive a few.

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dawg99 · November 19, 2019

The 2020 SLT with 5.3l with 10 speed shifts great, and rides better than any of the previous Silverado's that I have owned (99,00,08,13 models) Go with the 2020 with the 10 speed.

Thomcat · November 19, 2019

On 11/18/2019 at 11:30 AM, hotrodz37 said:

Hey All,

I am looking at pulling the trigger on a new truck relatively soon. I am curious how much better the suspension tuning and 10 speed transmission are vs the 2019 8 speed and suspension. I know the only real answer is to get out and drive both which I plan to do soon. Both would be the 5.3L.

Are the 2019 8 speeds having the same issues as the previous years or are they fixed? Seems like from reading the 2019 got a new torque converter and has better programming.

There are some 2020 GMC Sierra SLT's that are popping up for around $11k off which is nice (I would have to drive about 3 hours to make that deal), but I can get a 2019 Denali for $12-$13k off right now at the local dealer. Rather have a Denali but if tranny and suspension updates are that big of a difference I will probably go for the 2020 SLT.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Went to the dealer today to schedule for recall fix and found a '20 RST on the overflow lot......I don't think they "tuned" anything in the suspension, the rear leaf springs have the same part number as my '19. Tells me then didn't tune crap on the suspension..

And I don't think a test ride alone on a new truck with no mileage is an accurate indicator of the future ride. When new with no mileage the rear end on my '19 RST with 22"s hopped like a rabbit when hitting a bump and on hard acceleration starting out turning out from a stop. Road force balance cured most of the vibration and hopping, but at 3K mileage and towing a trailer it rides like a different truck...........all hopping and vibration gone and nice smooth application of power driving on the same roads when the vehicle suspension and tires were green.

I'm anxious to find out if the first 1-2 upshift is also abrupt on the 10 speeds after an overnight sit like on the 8 speeds. If equipped with start stop it also has an "accumulator" which could bleed down and hard 1-2 shift until repressurized by the tranny pump.

Matt Ward · November 20, 2019

6 hours ago, Thomcat said:

Went to the dealer today to schedule for recall fix and found a '20 RST on the overflow lot......I don't think they "tuned" anything in the suspension, the rear leaf springs have the same part number as my '19. Tells me then didn't tune crap on the suspension..

And I don't think a test ride alone on a new truck with no mileage is an accurate indicator of the future ride. When new with no mileage the rear end on my '19 RST with 22"s hopped like a rabbit when hitting a bump and on hard acceleration starting out turning out from a stop. Road force balance cured most of the vibration and hopping, but at 3K mileage and towing a trailer it rides like a different truck...........all hopping and vibration gone and nice smooth application of power driving on the same roads when the vehicle suspension and tires were green.

I'm anxious to find out if the first 1-2 upshift is also abrupt on the 10 speeds after an overnight sit like on the 8 speeds. If equipped with start stop it also has an "accumulator" which could bleed down and hard 1-2 shift until repressurized by the tranny pump.

The new 10 speed doesn't have an accumulator according to this. See #7

https://www.autoinfluence.com/11-things-you-need-to-know-about-ford-gms-10-speed-transmission/

Thomcat · November 20, 2019

5 hours ago, Matt Ward said:

The new 10 speed doesn't have an accumulator according to this. See #7

https://www.autoinfluence.com/11-things-you-need-to-know-about-ford-gms-10-speed-transmission/

Thanks.....good info. Instead of an accumulator a second electrically operated hydraulic pump, evidently for the same purpose, to maintain band pressure during an autostop. Seems to be an easier work around for the loss of pressure during autostop. I wonder why they didn't go with electrical over mechanical workaround in their 8 spds and 9 spds.........we may find out either way once they get some years and miles on them.

hotrodz37 · November 25, 2019

Well, looks like I am going to go with the 2019 Denali. Was built May 20th so has the new fluid and transmission felt great on the test drive. Could be because I have a super clunky 6 speed in my 2014 so anything feels better. I would love to drive the 2020 but not a fan of the two interior colors in the SLT and don't really want or need 4wd to get the 10 speed. Plus I got $14k off on the Denali and it's sticker was $58,300. White frost, Walnut interior. Puts the price right at the same for a 2020 SLT 4x4 so I think its a great deal.

One question: Do the seats get more comfortable with time? Man they are stiff.

Thank you guys for the replies, greatly appreciate it!

econometrics · November 25, 2019

46 minutes ago, hotrodz37 said:

Well, looks like I am going to go with the 2019 Denali. Was built May 20th so has the new fluid and transmission felt great on the test drive. Could be because I have a super clunky 6 speed in my 2014 so anything feels better. I would love to drive the 2020 but not a fan of the two interior colors in the SLT and don't really want or need 4wd to get the 10 speed. Plus I got $14k off on the Denali and it's sticker was $58,300. White frost, Walnut interior. Puts the price right at the same for a 2020 SLT 4x4 so I think its a great deal.

One question: Do the seats get more comfortable with time? Man they are stiff.

Thank you guys for the replies, greatly appreciate it!

I think you made the right decision. The Denali will come with features you'd miss once you get into the SLT. Plus, the SLT has too much chrome, IMO.

Yes, the feedback from most of us T1 owners is that the seats a little stiff. I personally like them, as they fit me really well and give good support. It's nice to know they'll wear well over the long haul. I'm 5'10" / 160#, so the seat works well for me.

Thomcat · November 25, 2019

6 hours ago, econometrics said:

...The Denali will come with features you'd miss once you get into the SLT. Plus, the SLT has too much chrome, IMO.

....

Chrome, I hate that stinking chrome! Meet my little friend....I cut out all his chrome, even his (wheel) nuts....and lastly, lights out on his chrome bowtie

hotrodz37 · November 27, 2019

Welp, should have listed to you guys about the 10 speed. Have 100 miles on my new Denali, 30 mile test drive was great. Had it home for a day and running all kinds of errands for thanksgiving and man, this 8 speed SUCKS. Thought most of the previous problems were fixed with this one. I’ll give it a few thousand miles and if it doesn’t get better it’s going straight to the RAM dealership.

Does it get better with time? Hoping so once it breaks in but not confident at all that it will.

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econometrics · November 27, 2019

4 hours ago, hotrodz37 said:

Does it get better with time? Hoping so once it breaks in but not confident at all that it will.

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Yes. Much better.