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Gmc Denali All Wheel Drive

neto1978

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Zembonez Senior Enthusiast

Zembonez

Posted
Posted

AWD or All Wheel Drive is essentially an auto 4WD system. I believe the Denali AWD system is normally in 2WD Hi until it detects loss of traction. Many AWD systems use a viscous center diff that will automatically transfer power to the other 2 wheels when needed but essentially operate like a 2WD vehicle under normal conditions. I'm sure somebody can chime in about the exact nature of the Denali.

 

EDIT: Did some snooping and found out that it is a full time AWD system that normally directs 40% torque to the front and 60% to the rear. The only way that changes is when the vehicle stability system is activated, it then applies brake pressure to the slipping wheel, and engine torque is divided up between the three other wheels. Pretty cool!

 

Thanks Boston!

neto1978 Enthusiast

neto1978

Posted
  • Author
Posted
It's a fully automated system and is in AWD all the time.

 

If it is all time AWD ,it's not automated ,think with me...

Am I wrong?

2000DV4.8 Senior Enthusiast

2000DV4.8

Posted
Posted
It's a fully automated system and is in AWD all the time.

 

If it is all time AWD ,it's not automated ,think with me...

Am I wrong?

 

 

 

No, it is. It can switch power between front and rear and direct the power away from the wheels without traction. (yes, I know that was an awful description)

BigJayDogg3 Senior Enthusiast

BigJayDogg3

Posted
Posted
It's a fully automated system and is in AWD all the time.

 

If it is all time AWD ,it's not automated ,think with me...

Am I wrong?

 

 

I think what he means is it is always in AWD, and it is automated meaning it controls where to send power.

 

I REALLY need to start refreshing before I post.

Bostonsfavson Senior Enthusiast

Bostonsfavson

Posted
Posted
It's a fully automated system and is in AWD all the time.

 

If it is all time AWD ,it's not automated ,think with me...

Am I wrong?

 

 

 

No, it is. It can switch power between front and rear and direct the power away from the wheels without traction. (yes, I know that was an awful description)

 

 

 

That was a great description Dan! And yes, that's what I meant. Both axels are constantly being driven; the AWD system will vary the torque split front/rear but not left/right. The AWD Yukon and Sierra Denalis use a Borg Warner unit, which I'm no big fan of. When slip is detected, in addition to varying the torque split the traction control system uses ABS intervention (i.e., individual wheel braking) to regain control.

Vortec-Z71 Enthusiast

Vortec-Z71

Posted
Posted
It's a fully automated system and is in AWD all the time.

 

If it is all time AWD ,it's not automated ,think with me...

Am I wrong?

 

 

Transfer case, AWD, electronic automatic system (AWD models only)-direct from the GMC website.

ChrisNJ Enthusiast

ChrisNJ

Posted
Posted

The bottom line is with AWD all 4 wheels are being driven whether you need it or not. I'd rather not drive the fronts at all the majority of the time. Where I live it is dry 70% of the time, and the roads are snow covered 1-2 weeks a year. My 07 Denali is the first AWD vehicle I've owned, coming from 6+ 4x4 trucks. My favorite in 20 odd years was my 02 that was 4x4 push button, but had a '?' button for engaging the front when needed, or a button for real 4wd. This was the best system IMO. I'd rather be driving the rears all the time unless I want different. I think in 09 the 6.2-6sp can be had in LTZ trim with a normal transfer case, which IMO will be a great combination.

neto1978 Enthusiast

neto1978

Posted
  • Author
Posted
The bottom line is with AWD all 4 wheels are being driven whether you need it or not. I'd rather not drive the fronts at all the majority of the time. Where I live it is dry 70% of the time, and the roads are snow covered 1-2 weeks a year. My 07 Denali is the first AWD vehicle I've owned, coming from 6+ 4x4 trucks. My favorite in 20 odd years was my 02 that was 4x4 push button, but had a '?' button for engaging the front when needed, or a button for real 4wd. This was the best system IMO. I'd rather be driving the rears all the time unless I want different. I think in 09 the 6.2-6sp can be had in LTZ trim with a normal transfer case, which IMO will be a great combination.

 

so it all means less MPG,right?

Bostonsfavson Senior Enthusiast

Bostonsfavson

Posted
Posted
so it all means less MPG,right?

 

 

All things being equal, yes. Among two otherwise identical vehicles, the AWD one will get less MPG. This is due not only to the engine having to turn an extra axle, but also the additional weight of the AWD components.

neto1978 Enthusiast

neto1978

Posted
  • Author
Posted
so it all means less MPG,right?

 

 

All things being equal, yes. Among two otherwise identical vehicles, the AWD one will get less MPG. This is due not only to the engine having to turn an extra axle, but also the additional weight of the AWD components.

 

 

Tks Will , I am thinking about buying the 2009 denali 6.2 flex fuel ,could you please send me some interior pics ,your truck is awesome! some exterior pics would begreat too!

tks

Kanima Enthusiast

Kanima

Posted
Posted

It still can't be any worst than a 4x4 with a full diffential on the front end weight wise. One thing I did notice on the 2009 sheets is you can't get a 6 speed on the Max trailering 10400lbs tow package I thought that was interesting.

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