2005 GMC 1/2 ton Crew Cab Denali

c5vetteman · February 9, 2004

I went to the Chicago auto show yesterday and saw it tucked away in the corner on a roped off rotating platform. The interior looked awesome. However, they didn't have a price listed and I can only cringe at the thought of it costing at least 45K.

It is a sharp truck, but I can't imagine paying that much for a truck as I am having a hard time coming to grips that my next truck that I am looking at (2500HD CC LT) stickers over 40K when my old one stickered under 35K.

gmcjoe · February 9, 2004

I've seen pics of the new CC Denali pickup. Is it still AWS?

Hecktorx · February 9, 2004

Did it have a 6.5' or the 5.5' bed? Did it have Q-steer?

Thanks,

Kenny

c5vetteman · February 9, 2004

Did it have a 6.5' or the 5.5' bed? Did it have Q-steer?

Thanks,

Kenny

It had the 5'8" bed and it didn't appear to have QWS.

Also, I'm not sure on the AWD.

HumanZoom · February 9, 2004

I always thought that Quadrasteer was a neat idea, but I never thought it should be standard on a luxury pickup. Glad to see GM is making it w/o for the next model year.

airbalancer · February 9, 2004

Denali start at $56k in Canada. A 2003 GMC Z71 ext with some toys listed at $43k.

I have done some work at the truck plant in Oshawa.

See the difference in price makes want to

Fun how I live 40 miles from the truck plant in Oshawa yet both of my ext cabs have come from the States. They only make ext cabs in Oshawa.

HumanZoom · February 11, 2004

A full time all-wheel-drive system splits torque 60 percent to the rear wheels and 40 percent to the fronts, receiving power through GM’s heavy-duty 4L65-E Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission.

So qudrasteer is out, but an AWD system is in. Also, there seems to be optional 20 inch wheels available later in the model run. Wonder if those are the same 20s GM is offering for all their trucks? Looks more like a the old Sierra C3, but I'm not saying that is a bad thing.

Full article here.

airbalancer · February 11, 2004

I always thought that Quadrasteer was a neat idea, but I never thought it should be standard on a luxury pickup. Glad to see GM is making it w/o for the next model year.

I took Denali out for a drive with Quadsteer and really like it.

I think it should have quadsteer as standard equipment . If you getting top of line truck you should have all the toys standard

I took Denali out for a drive with Quadsteer and really like it.

I think it should have quadsteer as standard equipment . If you getting top of line truck you should have all the toys standard

HumanZoom · February 11, 2004

I'll admit qudrasteer probably makes it easier to drive in tight spaces and it makes towing a trailor tons easier. However, I seem to do alright (and so do tons of other drivers) as far as moving their pickups in and out of tight spaces. As far as towing, I wouldn't buy a $45k luxury pickup to lug around a trailor, but I suppose if you had the money you should go for it. Plus, everyone has tried this four wheel steering at one or another in the past, and in my opinion, it's just one more thing to go wrong when your truck is out of warrenty and more $$ for you to spend. But, the thing about the qudrasteer that I disliked the most on the Sierra Denali was the ugly @$$ fender bulge and HD light bar. Of course this is just my $0.02, but IMO I think the '05 Denali looks much better w/o QS. But it should probably be kept on as an option (seeing how everyone doesn't share my opinion).

gave20 · February 11, 2004

I personally feel QS is well worth the money, I thought about getting a Denali when I was buying mine but the payload wasn't enough for the TT. I hope they continue the 4WS and incorporate it into the HD models; there was rumors of GM discontinuing it.

MrQuadrasteer · February 12, 2004

No quadrasteer on the new short-short box crews.

However- quadrasteer freaking rules . I've towed many trailers many miles, never had any problems. BUT, with the 4ws, it is almost too easy- the trailer tracks so sweetly, backing it in is unbelievably easy, cornering- EVERYTHING- is just that much nicer and easier to deal with. Plus all the funny looks you get !!! (and I haven't even mentioned how much fun it is to play with in the rain !!!!)

About this system vs. older systems, Delphi tortured these things in testing with minimal problems. Keep in mind this was primarily developed for the military. This unit is all electric, whereas older systems were hydraulic or a electro/hydrau combination. Additionally, the unit is VERY robust- the knuckles are HUGE. The weak spot is probably the rear tie-rods, they're kinda vulnerable if you back into something low or crawl over something you shouldn't . But, to damage the tierods would really be a freak thing (heard of one guy who backed into a rock and bent his ...) or just blatant abuse.

Y'all- mark my words: Quadrasteer is going to grow into more vehicles and you will see more manufacturers offering it.

...of course, this is my unbiased opinion !!!!! (well, some of it, but I can back a lot of it from the Delphi site, if anyone is interested...)

hamptonplow · February 13, 2004

The Quadrasteer rear axle is a Dana 60. Very stout. I wanted to wait for the Denali Crew Cab but when I found out it was going to be a 1500 with a shortened bed and no QS available, I said no way.

The QS is silly, I almost giggle when plowing or towing with it. I never cared for roof marker lights, but they've grown on me. Having always had stepside trucks, I like the psuedo dually bed my QS has.

Cheers

MrQuadrasteer · February 13, 2004

The QS is silly, I almost giggle when plowing or towing with it. I never cared for roof marker lights, but they've grown on me. Having always had stepside trucks, I like the psuedo dually bed my QS has.

I feel exactly the same way, the lights and flares have become obsesion !!! And it is silly !!!!