GMC 1500 C3 (Denali?) / AWS info - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kevinr1970 · 01-06-2010, 03:20 AM

I have seen a few of these trucks pop up lately for what seems like a decent price.
I am in the market for this vintage truck and am torn between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck. I really don't do a lot of towing/hauling but would like the power of the 6.0 if and when needed.
So one of these trucks might give the best of both worlds?

Is the 1500 C3 basicly the predecessor to the Silverado SS (6.0l, AWD, etc)?

What's the story with the AWD in these trucks, reliable? I know they have been doing AWD in the Astro vans, Bravadas and probably other vehicles but I am unfamilair with them beyond that.
I had a GMC Typoon for a few years and drove it pretty hard from 80k to 115k and the AWD was still there but had problesm with the intermediate shafts(?).

Lastly, how about the All-Wheel-Steering (AWS)? I would probaly shy away from these trucks just because I think they look sort of funny with the mini-flares on the bed but might not worry so much if someone said they are pretty problem-free.

Feedback?

Gray Ghost · 01-06-2010, 10:01 AM

Only thing bad I've heard about Denali's was that if the AWS module goes out it's very expensive to replace....that said I know no one that has complained of it.

The 6.0 motor is a bit tamer in that model, but more powerful than the 5.3. With a 2500 you'd get the better transmission for huge towing duty.

1971gmcshortbed · 01-06-2010, 10:13 AM

They are nice trucks. However GM did have a little trouble with the front diffs in awd. Some had problems, some didnt. It seems as if they didn't set them up right and they would get into the bearings and start making noise.
As far as the rear wheel steering it is really cool to show off to your friends but thats about it in my opinion. They dont make it anymore and in my opinion the less moving parts in the rearend, the better. The new Sierra Denali which is what the C3 turned into is now 4wd and not awd.

01-06-2010, 03:20 AM	#1
kevinr1970 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 2,316	GMC 1500 C3 (Denali?) / AWS info I have seen a few of these trucks pop up lately for what seems like a decent price. I am in the market for this vintage truck and am torn between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck. I really don't do a lot of towing/hauling but would like the power of the 6.0 if and when needed. So one of these trucks might give the best of both worlds? Is the 1500 C3 basicly the predecessor to the Silverado SS (6.0l, AWD, etc)? What's the story with the AWD in these trucks, reliable? I know they have been doing AWD in the Astro vans, Bravadas and probably other vehicles but I am unfamilair with them beyond that. I had a GMC Typoon for a few years and drove it pretty hard from 80k to 115k and the AWD was still there but had problesm with the intermediate shafts(?). Lastly, how about the All-Wheel-Steering (AWS)? I would probaly shy away from these trucks just because I think they look sort of funny with the mini-flares on the bed but might not worry so much if someone said they are pretty problem-free. Feedback? __________________ 2009 Honda Fit CfC (bsf 44.9 mpg) 2000 Tahoe Limited 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 2wd, will end up swb, not dually and replace CCswb below 1991 GMC CrewCab Dually 4x4, just going to fix things up for now 1982/1989 K5/GMC Jimmy 2wd 1987 GMC 1/2 ton swb 2wd Crew (sold)

01-06-2010, 10:01 AM	#2
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: GMC 1500 C3 (Denali?) / AWS info Only thing bad I've heard about Denali's was that if the AWS module goes out it's very expensive to replace....that said I know no one that has complained of it. The 6.0 motor is a bit tamer in that model, but more powerful than the 5.3. With a 2500 you'd get the better transmission for huge towing duty. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 01-06-2010 at 10:12 AM.

01-06-2010, 10:13 AM	#3
1971gmcshortbed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 284	Re: GMC 1500 C3 (Denali?) / AWS info They are nice trucks. However GM did have a little trouble with the front diffs in awd. Some had problems, some didnt. It seems as if they didn't set them up right and they would get into the bearings and start making noise. As far as the rear wheel steering it is really cool to show off to your friends but thats about it in my opinion. They dont make it anymore and in my opinion the less moving parts in the rearend, the better. The new Sierra Denali which is what the C3 turned into is now 4wd and not awd.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.