What years was AWD available? Thanks

[70cst]

As I continue to do my homework on these series/years of Chevy-GMC trucks ... what years was AWD offered along with 4x4 in these trucks.

Also what trim levels. I guess the middle to upper trim level is what I am interested.

Any years that I should stay away from? Issues etc.

Thanks Again for all your help.

70cst

[Greg58]

If by AWD you mean that it is always in 4x4?
I only have experience with an 02 Olds Bravada that had something called "Smart Trac" so the vehicle decides when you need extra traction assistance. It monitors the wheel slip and applies power to the front as needed.
GM may have used something similar on Cadillac SUV and GMC Denali. I'm not certian, my feelings are that I want to decide when I want 4x4 and when I don't. So I would stay away from that setup.
The trucks with push button 4x4 did have an Auto function that works well, but I rarely use it, my wife liked it.
As far as Chevy trim levels, you have basic WT (work truck) LS being the middle, and LT/LTZ as the fancier models. Just depends on how much luxury you want to pay for.
Greg

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Greg58

If by AWD you mean that it is always in 4x4?
I only have experience with an 02 Olds Bravada that had something called "Smart Trac" so the vehicle decides when you need extra traction assistance. It monitors the wheel slip and applies power to the front as needed.
GM may have used something similar on Cadillac SUV and GMC Denali. I'm not certian, my feelings are that I want to decide when I want 4x4 and when I don't. So I would stay away from that setup.
The trucks with push button 4x4 did have an Auto function that works well, but I rarely use it, my wife liked it.
As far as Chevy trim levels, you have basic WT (work truck) LS being the middle, and LT/LTZ as the fancier models. Just depends on how much luxury you want to pay for.
Greg

AWD shines when payment is wet or snow covered road where 4x4 use would be an overkill.
Newer trucks have it ... I just wasn't sure when it was an option in these trucks.
Thanks

[dajn]

When I bought my 04 Yukon I was surprised to see that it has no 2wd or 4wd option. Technically is isnt awd. It is one of those deals where it will apply power or brake to a corner when needed. Very strange. I liked my suburban setup better where you could pick between 2wd or 4 hi or 4 lo. Although I only used 2wd and 4 hi. I will say this though, that Yukon is one excellent winter vehicle. I feel so safe in it no matter how bad the roads are.

[EVRLET]

In 2003 they came out with the Silverado SS, which was the 6.0 AWD. It lasted until 2005. The 2006 SS only came with RWD. The same AWD was offered in the 2002-2004 GMC Sierra Denali.

Here on the west coast and in Texas, AWD trucks have a higher premium due to the racing capabilities of the AWD and 6.0 combo. 1000+ turbo hp and AWD is a great combo.

[hatzie]

The Autotrac II NV246 was available in 1999. That's kind of AWD.
You can ID it right away by the presence of the round AUTO button at the top of the 4WD controls.
It takes the blue GM transfer case oil some folks call Smurf blood.

The NV246 is a physically smaller transfer case than the manual shift NV261 and electric shift NV263. Whether this translates to weaker or not I'll leave for other people to argue.

[EVRLET]

The Silverado SS uses the NV 149 unit, while the Trailblazer SS used the NV 120 unit