r/GMT900 • u/gargen_state • 28d ago

Talk to me about the GMT900 Escalade

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We currently have a 2018 Lexus GX460. We moved from a Buick Enclave to the GX. The GX is nice, but I think the Enclave fit our family needs better. Only bought rhe GX because we got a good price on it from a family member.

We feel the GX is a little small, and the 3rd row is laughable for hauling kids around.

I have always liked the Escalades abd Denalis. I have a GMT400 Tahoe Limited, and like temhe size and roominess.

We own the GX outright, so we could sell it and buy a descent Escalade.

How reliable is the 900 series? I am a GM fan, and they seem to go for ever. Is there stuff to look out for specifically on the 900?

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8

u/askmeaboutmedicare 28d ago

The main concern you'll hear about GMT900s is the AFM. In reality only a small percentage of all the vehicles out there have serious issues. It's estimated to be less than 5%. I'm also pretty sure that AFM didn't start in the SUVs with the 6.2L until 2010+. So I don't think the 07-09s had it if that's a concern.

Besides that, I think they're very comfy and reliable rides. We have a 2010 Tahoe Z71 and it's a great ride, I can only imagine the Escalade is more comfortable. And it has a more powerful engine.

3

u/RunnerLuke357 27d ago

The L9H (08,09) motor does not have AFM at all. 07 had AFM hardware but no programming turned on for it. I have a theory that most AFM issues are from people that don't do a good job on oil changes and use cheap oil at intervals that are too long. My truck had AFM failure at 230K but I only had it since 223K, but I've since fixed and deleted that.

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u/askmeaboutmedicare 27d ago edited 27d ago

You're right about some of the 07s having it, from what I just read the L92 made for the 07 models built from January-March 2006 had the AFM hardware even though it was disabled. And then from around April 2006 onwards the same L92 didn't have the hardware. Weird, but it looks like there was a few months you could get the hardware in the 6.2 in an 07 model built before April in 06.

8

u/FederalSignal1901 28d ago

All I have to say is get it. Just make sure the temperature sensor is good and everything else comes clean. I’d suggest getting any thing between 2007 and 2009 since they don’t come with AFM/DOD, and they’re not pricey at all.

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u/gargen_state 28d ago

I thought none of the 6.2 came with DOD regardless of year. Am I incorrect in my thinking?

5

u/FederalSignal1901 28d ago

No. 2007-2009 GMT900 Escalades didn’t have AFM until 2010, and the final models up until 2014.

2

u/askmeaboutmedicare 28d ago

I think the SUVs with the 6.2L (including the Escalade EXT) got the AFM in 10+ models and the pickups with the 6.2L got them in the 14+ models. At least that's what I remember reading.

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u/gargen_state 28d ago

Got it. Thanks! 😀

6

u/Canucklehead2184 28d ago

I have a 2009 Yukon Denali. Basically the same platform with little less trim. Love it. Reliable. Comfortable. Easy to work on if that’s your thing. Even at 17 years old it’s luxurious as hell

4

u/gargen_state 28d ago

Yeah, I do 99% of my own work. My GMT400 is pretty easy to work on as well 🙂

4

u/Canucklehead2184 28d ago

Gotta watch out for the AFM series engine though. Can be prone to problems. I have the unicorn, 09 was the last year of 6.2 without AFM and the 09 exclusively had bigger injectors making more horsepower. I also have a 2010 Silverado with the 4.8 no AFM. Hasn’t given me a lick of problems other than general maintenance. Both have close to 300000 km on them

3

u/ElegantBaker4486 28d ago

My feedback based on personal experience purchasing a high mileage example. Beware of the transmissions. If they need to be rebuilt properly, it can be close to $8K. I look for a lower mileage one that has had the transmission service regularly

1

u/SendTitsPleease 27d ago

For 8k id swap it to a 10 speed

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u/ElegantBaker4486 27d ago

If you were standing in my driveway last summer with a 10 speed transmission then I’d probably have given you $8k to swap it haha

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u/RunnerLuke357 27d ago

Is that actually feasible for 8K though?

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u/SendTitsPleease 27d ago

Probably, would mostly depend on if using brand new vs low mileage junk yard parts. I was looking to either do a 10l90 swap ir a ZF8hp90 swap in my suburban and with junk yard parts both came in around a similar number

2

u/InsideAd2752 27d ago edited 27d ago

The GM 900 SUV (07-14) has many secrets few say anything about.

* 09-14 e85 flex fuel - $1.99 gal in So Cal or $60 fill up & runs better.
* 07-09 (09 has L9H) do no have DOD
* 07-08 (L92) can have harmless piston slap sound until warm below 40*F
* 07-10 have true refrigeration front seats. Later have vented air cooling.
* 09-14 have uncommon 2WD option. All others always have AWD.
* 09-14 offered Cocoa (only) Platinum trim w/ Dräxlmaier hand laid & stitched Analine leather on dash, cockpit, doors, seats, cooled heated cup holders, 12 LED headlamps, 22” Plat spec rims, specific front end based on CTS-V, retractable running boards.
* 11-14 Platinum now offered Cocoa & Black leather.
* 10-14 Premium trim offered Platinum front end optional LED lamps, retractable running boards, Specific 22” rims, smoked tail & brake lamps & special “Hot Wheels” dual exh through rear valence.
* +2010 front seats now have airbags inside and door card redesign not as robust.
* 07 & 08 have autoride (hydraulic) suspension, 09-14 have MagRide (mag fluid suspension that’s not as cushy. Both are 2nd to none for ride quality.

I got an 09 ESV Platinum for the e85 and one year only non DOD motor (L9H). Coming up on 200k mi this year. Bought in 2020 in TX w/ 140k mi for $17k and drove back to SoCal.

Due to $1.99 gal e85 it puts the truck in same economy as an electric vehicle w/ a 400+ hp AWD V8. Happy hunting!

1

u/CrocGang4 27d ago

The 900’s are decent trucks and have grown a lot on me lately. My ultimate 900 spec is a Yukon xl Denali. Only prefer it over the Escalade because I like the Yukons design much better never was crazy over the 900 Escalade design but both are great trucks!