2020 Sierra SLT AWD vs 2020 SLT 4wd?

MTY55 · July 6, 2020

I have been building and searching on the GMC.com website. I check the box for 4wd. After I finish building I go to locate a vehicle I come up with trucks listed as AWD and others 4wd. Everytime I find a good match for what I'm looking for AWD screws things up. I want 4wd.

Porterhouse · July 6, 2020

I maybe mistaken, but I don't think they make an AWD truck anymore.

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OnTheReel · July 6, 2020

Same difference, probably just how the dealer classifies them in inventory. There are two different transfer cases in 4x4 trucks, neither is full time AWD. Both have 2WD, 4 High, and Auto 4x4.

In addition to those three modes, X31 and 6.2 trucks get 4 Low. Non X31 / 6.2 trucks get terrain mode instead which is fake 4 low transmission tuning without the gearing advantage of real 4 low.

JimCost2014 · July 6, 2020

54 minutes ago, Porterhouse said:

I maybe mistaken, but I don't think they make an AWD truck anymore.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

On the K2's, in the "off road" screen, it lists AUTO as AWD as the computer is controlling how power is sent to each wheel.

Is there no 2 speed transfer case at all in the t1's?

OnTheReel · July 6, 2020

2 minutes ago, JimCost2014 said:

On the K2's, in the "off road" screen, it lists AUTO as AWD as the computer is controlling how power is sent to each wheel.

Is there no 2 speed transfer case at all in the t1's?

Yes, 6.2 and x31/z71 trucks get a 2 speed transfer case. It’s also standard on Denali and High Country.

Side note I didn’t mention above. The 2 speed transfer case is also the only one that has a neutral position.

JimCost2014 · July 6, 2020

1 minute ago, OnTheReel said:

Yes, 6.2 and x31/z71 trucks get a 2 speed transfer case. It’s also standard on Denali and High Country.

Side note I didn’t mention above. The 2 speed transfer case is also the only one that has a neutral position.

Thanks, I like to learn something new each day, and now I have.

Are either models considered a "flat/dingy tow", or do they need to go on a flatbed?

OnTheReel · July 6, 2020

27 minutes ago, JimCost2014 said:

Thanks, I like to learn something new each day, and now I have.

Are either models considered a "flat/dingy tow", or do they need to go on a flatbed?

The 2 speed transfer case is able to be dinghy or dolly towed in neutral. The single speed transfer case trucks cannot.

JimCost2014 · July 6, 2020

5 minutes ago, OnTheReel said:

The 2 speed transfer case is able to be dinghy or dolly towed in neutral. The single speed transfer case trucks cannot.

Thank you.

MTY55 · July 6, 2020

Thank You the trucks I'm trying to put together all had the X31 package.

Wiggums · July 6, 2020

I think dealerships are misunderstanding what's 4WD and what's AWD.

Cars.com just lists all as 4x4 now, not AWD.

I think all trucks are 4x4, not AWD. My definition of AWD is on all the time, and I don't think any of our trucks are like that.

tbare54 · July 7, 2020

I have another SLT question??? If you order an SLT, with 5.3 motor and 22 INCH WHEELS, is it not possible to get the X31package, which most notable means no 2 SPEED TRANSFER CASE or factory dual exhaust. If I read things right, the only way to get 22 inch wheels with X 31 is with 6.2 motor.

OnTheReel · July 7, 2020

28 minutes ago, tbare54 said:

I have another SLT question??? If you order an SLT, with 5.3 motor and 22 INCH WHEELS, is it not possible to get the X31package, which most notable means no 2 SPEED TRANSFER CASE or factory dual exhaust. If I read things right, the only way to get 22 inch wheels with X 31 is with 6.2 motor.

Still can’t get the X31 package with 22s, not even with the 6.2. BUT, since the 6.2 automatically comes with the 2 speed transfer case and dual exhaust, the X31 package becomes a lot less important. You’d just be missing out on skid plates, hill descent control, and Rancho shocks that nobody likes.

Can always buy the truck you want with 20s and then just swap to 22 take offs, they are all over the place. Overall diameter between stock tire 20s and stock tire 22s is essentially identical. 33” to 32.8”, so no real speedo difference.

Gangly · July 7, 2020

On 7/5/2020 at 10:42 PM, OnTheReel said:

The 2 speed transfer case is able to be dinghy or dolly towed in neutral. The single speed transfer case trucks cannot.

To clarify on this, the transfer case needs to be in neutral, not just the transmission.

redwngr · July 7, 2020

2 speed Transfer case availability, 2020 1500:

NQH Transfer case, two-speed, electronic Autotrac with push button control (4WD models only)

GMC -
Base sierra - Included and only available with (X31) X31 Off-Road Package or available as a free flow option on TK10903.
SLE and Elevation - Included and only available with (X31) X31 Off-Road Package.
SLT, - Included and only available with (L87) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine or (X31) X31 Off-Road Package

AT4 and Denali - standard

Chev -

Custom TB, LT TB, HC - standard

WT - Included and only available with (Z71) Z71 Off-Road Package. Free flow requires Regular Cab model.
LT - Included and only available with (Z71) Z71 Off-Road Package.
RST, LTZ - Included and only available with (Z71) Z71 Off-Road Package or (L87) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.

(TK10903 -- 8 ft box, reg cab)