Transmission Cooler and Rear Suspension Helper Springs for 2012 GMC Yukon XL  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Let me begin by saying that the towing capacity can't be increased beyond the limits mentioned in the owner's manual that are dependent upon how the vehicle is equipped. In the manual, it states that models equipped with the HD cooling package have an increased capacity up to 8100 lbs for 5.3L equipped 2WD or 8000 lbs for 5.3L equipped 4WD models.

After looking through the online forums, it seems that the HD cooling package consisted of a transmission cooler, the hitch and the trailer wiring, but I'd recommend you confirm that for yourself.

I can highly recommend installing a transmission cooler to provide additional cooling to protect your transmission, it's a very inexpensive addition. As long as you have the necessary space available behind the grille in front of the radiator, the 11 x 12 # D13504 Derale Transmission Cooler is what I'd recommend. You'll also need the # D13035 fitting. The cooler would install inline on the return line from the radiator to the transmission.

If your 2012 Yukon XL is a 2500 series, it'll have a rear leaf spring suspension and therefore the RoadActive Suspension # RAS4611 product you'd looked at would fit and would be a good choice. The system would provide up to 2000 lbs of extra support and will improve traction by reducing axle hop and wrap. It'll also reduce sway and body roll in turns.

If you have the 1500 series, you'll have coil springs so the above system wouldn't be compatible. I'd recommend a bump stop replacement like the SuperSprings Solo, part # SSR-204-40. The helper springs will come into play when the tongue weight of a trailer or a load in the rear cargo area is applied to the rear suspension, but won't affect your ride quality when you're not towing or hauling. The SuperSprings will provide 1000 lbs of support which should be plenty to handle the tongue weight of a trailer whose weight is within the capacity of the vehicle.

I've linked to installation videos for the transmission cooler and fitting recommended above, as well as to videos as well product videos for the helper spring solutions.

expert reply by: Mike L

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