99 Denali.....anything To Watch Out For?

hoorders · February 23, 2008

Hey everyone,

Im looking to maybe trade my silvy in for a 99 Denali I found. It looks to be in real good shape.....has the 5.7 in it.

Just wondering what you all think about that year Denali.......I think its the last year with the 5.7 in it......Im not sure which chassis its built on or if the chassis even changed into 2000 and up.

Here is a pic of it.

Anything to watch out for on these?

Thanks!!!

Deoncollins69 · February 23, 2008

Hey everyone,

Im looking to maybe trade my silvy in for a 99 Denali I found. It looks to be in real good shape.....has the 5.7 in it.

Just wondering what you all think about that year Denali.......I think its the last year with the 5.7 in it......Im not sure which chassis its built on or if the chassis even changed into 2000 and up.

Here is a pic of it.

Anything to watch out for on these?

Thanks!!!

The biggest problem with these trucks are the typical intake manifold leaks. Usually leaks coolant at some tiem. 300-850$ to fix. The ohter issue is the drivers seat cover wears out bad on the outside edge. They are not a gm supplied part any more. Other than that they are great trucks. Teh seats are the most comfortable in this design available.

hoorders · February 24, 2008

Hey everyone,

Im looking to maybe trade my silvy in for a 99 Denali I found. It looks to be in real good shape.....has the 5.7 in it.

Just wondering what you all think about that year Denali.......I think its the last year with the 5.7 in it......Im not sure which chassis its built on or if the chassis even changed into 2000 and up.

Here is a pic of it.

Anything to watch out for on these?

Thanks!!!

The biggest problem with these trucks are the typical intake manifold leaks. Usually leaks coolant at some tiem. 300-850$ to fix. The ohter issue is the drivers seat cover wears out bad on the outside edge. They are not a gm supplied part any more. Other than that they are great trucks. Teh seats are the most comfortable in this design available.

Excellent thanks for getting back to me.

Do you know if the 99 denali's are AWD or can you select between 2 and 4wd.

Thanks!!

98 Z71 SLT · February 24, 2008

Hang on...don't do it!!

You are going backwards with technology. Your Silverado is a better design than a 99 Denali.

I'd really stay away from it.

hoorders · February 24, 2008

Hang on...don't do it!!

You are going backwards with technology. Your Silverado is a better design than a 99 Denali.

I'd really stay away from it.

What do you mean a better design?

I know my silvy was the new GMT800 platform but I've also owned previous model year chevy trucks.......and I'd say I had less problems with the older generation trucks......not to mention they were far stronger.

I know the denali has the 5.7 in it.....but that is certainly not a weak link.

omegafiler · February 24, 2008

It's basically the OBS 400 series trucks. So it should also have the electronic 4x4 controls, which does have auto-trac. That's a great year of truck, but that 5.7 just doesn't compare to the 5.3l V8 in the 800 series. I'd stick with the 800 series or newer if it's in your budget.

silversport · February 24, 2008

It is older technology BUT...I have a 2000 Cadillac Escalade...last year for that body style just as it is for your Denali...same truck...when you go to find parts nearly everyone will tell you it is the NBS (New Body Style)...it isn't...it is considered OBS (Old Body Style)...as for the 5.7 not comparing to the 5.3...I dunno...I had a 5.3 in my 2002 Avalanche and I don't really feel I am missing much with the 5.7...My younger brother has the 2007 Classic Silverado (NBS) and it also has the 5.3...he thinks mine is faster and pulls harder than his 5.3...I say itza wash but the mileage might be a bit better on the smaller 5.3...Chevy ('cuz we really have a Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon/GMC Denali/Cadillac Escalade) was made for a LONG time...lots you can do if you like...it is the electronic 4 button transfer case with the Auto 4WD...REAL Four Wheel Drive...I really like mine but changed to what I thought was a better looking wheel...a 2007 Escalade wheel and tire package...up from the stock 16" to 18" wheels and tires...also some (me included) have had a slight problem with the backlights on that dash mounted 4 button transfer case going out at times...still works but sometimes will not backligh...I have been told it was a common problem but I have not been able to find a new part replacement for it yet...good luck and enjoy!

Bill

hoorders · February 24, 2008

It is older technology BUT...I have a 2000 Cadillac Escalade...last year for that body style just as it is for your Denali...same truck...when you go to find parts nearly everyone will tell you it is the NBS (New Body Style)...it isn't...it is considered OBS (Old Body Style)...as for the 5.7 not comparing to the 5.3...I dunno...I had a 5.3 in my 2002 Avalanche and I don't really feel I am missing much with the 5.7...My younger brother has the 2007 Classic Silverado (NBS) and it also has the 5.3...he thinks mine is faster and pulls harder than his 5.3...I say itza wash but the mileage might be a bit better on the smaller 5.3...Chevy ('cuz we really have a Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon/GMC Denali/Cadillac Escalade) was made for a LONG time...lots you can do if you like...it is the electronic 4 button transfer case with the Auto 4WD...REAL Four Wheel Drive...I really like mine but changed to what I thought was a better looking wheel...a 2007 Escalade wheel and tire package...up from the stock 16" to 18" wheels and tires...also some (me included) have had a slight problem with the backlights on that dash mounted 4 button transfer case going out at times...still works but sometimes will not backligh...I have been told it was a common problem but I have not been able to find a new part replacement for it yet...good luck and enjoy!
Bill

Thanks so much for the info.......exactly the kind of info I was looking for.......I certainly like the Denali and it will suit my needs.....the only 'potential' downfall might be the gas milage not being quite as good as the 5.3.......but I suppose I could do a few mods to help that along.....maybe a tune, CAI, etc.

omegafiler · February 24, 2008

My more recent vehicle was a 2000 Chevy Tahoe Z71 with the 5.7l. It was the last of that body style and the 5.7's since that same year the 800 series Tahoe's came out.

It was a great truck, sorta wish I'd kept it. But I ended up spending way too much $$ fixing and upgrading parts in the process. The 400 series have a "known issue" with the front end components getting worn out and needing replacement. Which is a very costly and time consuming process. The 5.7 is also a PITA to troubleshoot the infamous "random misfire," which you'll probably find plenty of posts if you search around. So you'd definately want to take it for a long test drive and pay close attention to the front-end suspension components, looking for signs that they'd need replacement soon.

As for power, the only reason the 5.7 might "seem" fast is because it has a whole lot of torque was at the lower RPM. I had a hypertech and exhaust when I raced my friends 05 silverado, Z71, crew cab, with the 5.3l. He was stock. We both punched it from a 20 or 30 roll, I got the jump by about half a car length (thanks to the low end torque,) but after that, he pretty much ran away. I mean, there was no contest. Vehicle weight was fairly similar, and he even had a passenger.

I also drove a 2001 Chevy Tahoe LT for awhile as well. I gotta tell ya, that 5.3l is one powerful engine. Not to mention everything else is much improved, the dash, seats, ride comfort, handling, etc. But my suggestion to go with the 800 series is obviously just from personal experience as well as other friends who have played around witht he 400 and 800 series quite a bit. Either way, I still did enjoy my 400 series Tahoe, it's a GM truck, and I'm sure you'll be happy!.

hoorders · February 24, 2008

My more recent vehicle was a 2000 Chevy Tahoe Z71 with the 5.7l. It was the last of that body style and the 5.7's since that same year the 800 series Tahoe's came out.

It was a great truck, sorta wish I'd kept it. But I ended up spending way too much $$ fixing and upgrading parts in the process. The 400 series have a "known issue" with the front end components getting worn out and needing replacement. Which is a very costly and time consuming process. The 5.7 is also a PITA to troubleshoot the infamous "random misfire," which you'll probably find plenty of posts if you search around. So you'd definately want to take it for a long test drive and pay close attention to the front-end suspension components, looking for signs that they'd need replacement soon.

As for power, the only reason the 5.7 might "seem" fast is because it has a whole lot of torque was at the lower RPM. I had a hypertech and exhaust when I raced my friends 05 silverado, Z71, crew cab, with the 5.3l. He was stock. We both punched it from a 20 or 30 roll, I got the jump by about half a car length (thanks to the low end torque,) but after that, he pretty much ran away. I mean, there was no contest. Vehicle weight was fairly similar, and he even had a passenger.

I also drove a 2001 Chevy Tahoe LT for awhile as well. I gotta tell ya, that 5.3l is one powerful engine. Not to mention everything else is much improved, the dash, seats, ride comfort, handling, etc. But my suggestion to go with the 800 series is obviously just from personal experience as well as other friends who have played around witht he 400 and 800 series quite a bit. Either way, I still did enjoy my 400 series Tahoe, it's a GM truck, and I'm sure you'll be happy!.

Way back I bought a brand new 1989 Z71 stepside silverado.......I loved that truck and had absolutly no issues with it...suspension motor(5.7) or anything.......and I racked up the milage on that tuck....was that 89 a 400 series??.....Is the 99 denali built on the same chassis?

Thanks!!

omegafiler · February 24, 2008

Yeah, 1988-1998 silverado was on the 400 series platform. The Tahoe/Yukon was on that old platform a bit longer, including the 99 Denail. Engine definately changed a bit over time, but same basic platform.

Both series are great trucks, but given the choice, I'd still have to go with the newer one.