GMC Denali 4 wheel steer?

[me0418840987]

My brother is looking for such a truck, and I know that they were sold in like 2004? What happened to them, and does anyone have any comments they would like to share as far as durability, etc?

 

[sklunk]

My brother is looking for such a truck, and I know that they were sold in like 2004? What happened to them, and does anyone have any comments they would like to share as far as durability, etc?

The option was called "Quadrasteer" and was available from 2002 to 2005. It was available on both GMC and Chevy trucks and Suburbans. It disappeared because GM priced it too high and didn't market it well enough. Here is what it was available on:

-- GMC Sierra Denali
-- GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado 1500 ext. cab
-- GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado 1500HD crew cab (some years it was called a 2500)
-- GMC Yukon XL/Chevy Suburban 2500

At low speeds the rear wheels turn the opposite direction as the front wheels. At highway speeds the rear wheels turn the same direction as the front wheels (sometimes called "crab steering") so the truck changes lanes smoothly. The system has a default setting so that if something happens the rear wheels return to straight-ahead position like a normal rear axle until you can get the problem fixed (you can also turn the system off completely so it works like a normal rear axle). The turning circle of the truck is smaller than normal, but where Quadrasteer really shines is during towing. The trailer tracks better at highway speeds and has less sway, and at low speeds backing the trailer it actually goes the way you want it to.

The rear end was a Dana model 60 axle so reliability shouldn't be an issue. The only issues I know of are that it needs a rear alignment every now and then, and it takes a special gear oil in the rear axle (some dealers were putting in the wrong oil and owners complained of squealing from the rear).

I never owned one but I drove quite a few of them. It was actually amazing -- I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. I loved it and hope GM brings it back in future trucks!

 

[300UGUY]

I never owned one, but I did drive one once. Really neat technology. Too bad it didn't sell.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have heard too many negatives concerning alignment. For what little it does and the extra cost and maintaince I would pass.

Chris

 

[davkir]

I believe they also had a lower tow rating.

 

[timswi]

An exec at work had one of those...Drove it 60 miles per day for 5 years and loved it...Never had a problem..He was bummed he couldn't get another one.

Honda had this on the Preludes in the late 80's and early 90's...It was kind of neat, although it was never something I'd go looking for.

 

[me0418840987]

Thank you, I will pass this along to him.

 

[Gack]

My brother is looking for such a truck, and I know that they were sold in like 2004? What happened to them, and does anyone have any comments they would like to share as far as durability, etc?

I own one and have had it 7 years and love it. I can turn it around in less room that it takes to turn around a compact car.

 

[schmism]

ahhhh the smell of stale post from a first time poster.

welcome.... i guess...

 

[TxDoc]

I have a 2003 GMC Sierra, not a Denali, but an extended cab, 4x4 with a conventional hi/lo transfer case..2WD or 4WD, not a full-time, AWD.

Absolutely zero problems. No maintenance. Would buy again if offered.

Poorly marketed. President of GM left not long after it was DC'd.

Besides the tight turning radius, much more stable in changing lanes, with or without a trailer, especially in windy conditions.

You can turn it off in snow/ice where it would be easier to swap ends like a short wheelbase car. So, it has three settings...2 wheel, 4 wheel, 4 wheel trailing. With your foot on the brake, giving it a little bit of throttle will get the wheels to angle in a little more than without.

Very well thought out, works flawlessly, poorly explained and marketed.

 

[Garandman]

Saw online that GM charged anywhere from $1,000 to $5,600 for the privilege.

I own one and have had it 7 years and love it. I can turn it around in less room that it takes to turn around a compact car.

usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/columns/healey/2002-01-18-denali.htm
Jan 18, 2002 - GMC says Quadrasteer cuts Denali's turning-circle diameter to 37.4 feet from 46.2 feet. GMC likes to note that the small Saturn coupe circles in 37.1 feet. Q-steer is mighty helpful while: Parking.

There are plenty of current compacts that are 30-35 feet.

 

[HHR]

It's also my understanding that you can "crab" steer at low speeds if you want. Hold the brake and the gas at the same times while turning wheel. For example, if you wanted to swing the back of the truck out to one side or another leaving a tight campsite.

 

[WilliamBos]

I have heard too many negatives concerning alignment. For what little it does and the extra cost and maintaince I would pass.

Chris

Parts like the rear unit hub assembly have been discontinued with zero aftermarket support.

I second Chris.

 

[HHR]

Parts like the rear unit hub assembly have been discontinued with zero aftermarket support. I second Chris.

http://m.1aauto.com/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly-rear/i/1ashr00174?f=559905

 

[WilliamBos]

http://m.1aauto.com/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly-rear/i/1ashr00174?f=559905

Thanks. I passed that link along to a poster on GMI with a laid up quadrasteer truck.

 

[sparc]

AMG Hummer H1s and HUMVEEs have been converted over to 4WS by a few people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBYj8kYgWqo