Chevrolet Avalanche

bshefmire · November 2001

past Sunday. We were leaving the parking lot from the Mighty Ducks game. I had parked by a light pole for ease of finding my truck. The light pole was to the front drivers side. We saw some friends walk by and wanted to say hello. So I pulled forward paying attention to the light standard but.....there was a parking bollard guarding the light pole. The guard post was too low to see from the Avalanche. Hit it with the front corner of my bumper. It left some yellow paint but that was the only damage.

Thanks for passing on the info on the cladding replacement prices Tim.

Brad in Socal

timfarn · November 2001

Showme - I didn't want the mess yet, so I cheated and put the two I got by bow in the hitch carrier to take home back in Oct. I passed on a 130" 10 at 12 yards a week ago - I hope he makes it through gun season for a chance next year. I am holding out for a 150 class buck. I'm taking my 12 year-old this weekend for shotgun hunting. I hope he can get his first. His instructions are to get the first one that comes along.

I saw on the Silverado site that Av sales were #10 in trucks in October. 13,000 units, 36,000 YTD.

bowhuntwi · November 2001

Tim, thought you told me you bought it as a truck. You know that 150 you get in the future and if your by yourself, even with a buddy, it's going to take a swing to get it up on that high tailgate. Just thought I'd throw in that about the hitch carrier........you know when you buy one of those and the fact that you have it on a truck, means your getting to old to get your deer to the tailgate by yourself.

robbins_ · November 2001

Don't be so quick on how low they are... I had someone hit the rear corner of my AV. Not much damage but since I had less that 2000 miles at the time I decided to get it fixed. They had to replace the bumper cover as well as the 4 treads (2 in the assist steps and 2 on top of the bumper cover). The tread pads are single use, so are a must replace.... Cost of the parts was almost $400. I would expect the front bumper cladding to be the same. True that this is less than paint fixes, but not cheap. Since someone else was paying with labor the cost was close to $600 (insurance). If you need to pay someone to do this without using your insurance the estimate I received was over $1000 (seems insurance companies get a price break on the parts, go figure).

Now, if this had occurred with 20k on it I would have just done a little "plastic dressing" since it wasn't that large of a damaged area and most was below the step which is hard to see. I did get to keep the old parts, which may come in handy down the road.

Bear

minikin · November 2001

Really would be interested in what it takes to paint that (cladding) stuff.
-- Don

txyank1 · November 2001

preparation, preparation, preparation. It would look best of it could be smoothed but I don't know how smooth you could ever sand it. I've seen Chevy's with the matte plastic bumper cap and lower valance painted and they really don't look that good still having the rough finish. 'course that's just my opinion.

timfarn · November 2001

is a carryover from my Jimmy... I put a deer in the back of it only once. So, until the new wears off and I tolerate the mess in the back, I'll drag it along. I got a P&Y 200# ++ buck a few years back - two of us strained to fling it into the bed of a 3/4T Dodge 4X4. But, then again, we IL farmboys aren't built like those WI lumberjacks.

whitevette01 · November 2001

Was at the car show today. Saw a white AV
with cladding painted except for the small
section under the doors. It did look better.
The cladding did appear to be smooth so what
painting the factory stuff would look like ????

They also had two Cadillac versions with
soild paint. No prices were posted. Door
trim and console had wood. Seats were the
perforated leather as in Caddys.

Lincoln had a Blackwood $55,000

minikin · November 2001

but that particular plastic compound used on the AV cladding, and lower front Silverado valance and, I think, on the mid 2000 and later fender flares is different than anything I've worked with before. I was just wondering how you're supposed to deal with it.
-- Don

skidmarks · November 2001

Alternative to GM pn 12497719 tube running boards are Manik Motors polished stainless steel tubes. They are are a couple of hundred less than Chevy's chromed ones.

bowhuntwi · November 2001

Have a Good Turkey Day, our 9 day gun season starts Saturday. I carry a tarp, lay it inside then the deer on top, no mess. Even this lumberjack has spent plenty of times and multiable trys flinging into pickups. I know how that goes, take care of that AV. Catch ya on the 26th.

bshef1 · November 2001

I've seen this option offered but have not seen what they actually look like. Does anyone have this accessory?
It sounds like it is to protect any exposed portions of the seats from materials in your cargo area?
Would appreciate a picture if available with any opinions.

Thanks
Brad in SoCal

whitevette01 · November 2001

Didn't even know Cadillac had one till the car
show. Does anyone here have one. Since brought
the Av just looked inside one at the show. Sort
of like securing the barn after horse is gone.

Brought my AV one afternoon, really didn't even
know about the vehicle. Now wonder if should
have looked at the Caddy - option to option.
Exterior does look better (side view). Don't
like the Caddy's front.

helmutk · November 2001

Brad,
I bought the 2nd seat liner. It is black (dark gray) heavy duty vinyl, similar to the cargo cover holder, and has the word Avalanche on it in white. It has a large pocket that slides over the the back seat bottoms when they are folded up and also has an extension that lays between the seat backs and the midgate when they are folded down. I think for $35 (GMPartsDirect) it is worth it.

Helmut

robbins_ · November 2001

Well, a loaded Av is listing at 38K, and the Cady version is listing at 48K with the same options. I don't see the additional 10K myself but to each his (or her) own.

Bear

seamusthedog · November 2001

The cady has AWD,6.0L 345hp engine and traction control.

whitevette01 · November 2001

But that's still 8g for AWD, 6.0L, stabi track,
air shocks, and wood interior. The traction
system sounds good but full time AWD wouldn't be a
big major feature. Sure after the first year
and depreciation sets in the Chevy version will
look better.

skidmarks · November 2001

First tank of gas up the mountainous highway yielded 17mpg at 65mph with the 4:10's. Anticipating 1 more mpg after the break-in period.Check back later.

midlifecrisis · November 2001

Went to a local Chevy dealer over the weekend after it had closed. My daughter found a couple Av's that were left unlocked so we checked out the vehicle's interior. One had a bench seat up front, but the seats were contoured similar to bucket seats, just with a little seat in between to fit a third person. All three of us sat up front comfortably, although my kids are only 8 and 10. The driver's seat lumbar support control knob is very difficult to turn when the door is shut.

My first impression is that everything seemed very solid. Even the doors and doorhandles seemed quality. I did not get the impression that the dashboard was full of cheap plastic. The back seat is cavernous. I had the driver's seat all the way back and then jumped in the back and still had a couple inches of knee room (I'm 6' tall). The back seat center armrest/cupholder is quite wide and would work well separating my kids on long trips.

I flipped down the back seat to see how the midgate works. I noticed I couldn't flip down the seat behind the driver until I moved the seat forward a bit, even with the headrest completely retracted. Even so, it took no time at all the convert the midgate, and I didn't even know what I was doing the first time. What a great system!

Now I truly know that this vehicle meets all the requirements for my next vehicle. Now the biggest decision is what color and what options. And since I want a Z66 package 2WD, I may have to order one. This dealer had 12 Av's, all 4WD and 2 North Face editions.

Now I see that GM is extending its 0% financing through January. Hmmmm.....could there be an Av under the Christmas tree this year???

fastz28 · November 2001

I also wanted only Z66 + base model. None of the dealers I went to has that combo. Then I went to www.gmbuypower.com and found a dealer a bit away (20 miles) that has 6 of them!!! Try the web and look around. Good luck.

wd5938 · November 2001

Maybe this has been mentioned before, I didn't read all of the posts. Has anyone used their Avalanche to transport an ATV in the bed? I'm talking about a large ATV like the new Grizzly 660, or Honda Rubicon. What kind of clearance do you have at the interior roof line? Did it work with the tailgate up or down? Thanks.

dcrisler · November 2001

have to say I was very impressed. List was 38K for the Z71 with sunroof and roof rack. Loved the seats. I have been avoiding the test drive due to how much I thought I would like it. Well I am sold. Just have to decide how to pay for it. I don't think I can give up my sports car... but you never know. It sounds like it gets much better mileage than my B4000LE Mazda. One of the trucks had a roof mounted DVD system with 13 inch lcd display. Seemed like overkill to me.

bshefmire · November 2001

I noticed this on the photo's posted by "Invested" when he was sharing his exhaust photos with us.
Where are these available and at what price?

Thanks

wfbarto · November 2001

I was reading on the Problems and Solutions section of the Avalanche Owners Club and noted the exerpt that I have cut and pasted below from a message posted by "basicblues." Has anyone else noted this on their AV and had an adjustment made at the dealer? I have noticed that my AV is lower on the left side than the right. I stopped by a dealer lot and noticed that the several AVs that were there all tilted to the left. Is this normal or should we all get the adjustment that is noted below? What type of adjustment would the dealer make to do this and is it something that can be done without a trip to the dealer? Thanks for any input - here's the portion of his message that applies:

"During all this inspection and testing I noticed the body on my AV was about
one to one and a half inch low on the left side after viewing it on the level
alignment rack. They easily adjusted the height by turning a bolt underneath the
frame with a air wrench. Only took a few seconds. Just thought I would mention
that in case someone else has noticed the same problem."

bshef1 · November 2001

the lean (which I have noticed on my AV). I also heard suggested that the lean is caused by the gas tank being on the drivers side.

Brad in SoCal

kanton1 · November 2001

the lean is probably due to different adjustments of the torsion bars. adjusting the torsion bars can change the level of the truck. although, there are specs the bars need to be adjusted to called the "z-method" (ask your service guy) also after adjusting the torsion bars the truck needs to be realigned

kyle

wfbarto · November 2001

According to your post, a torsion bar adjustment is the way to adjust the vehicle into a level stance and an alignment is needed thereafter. I guess by saying this you are implying that there is a rear-end alignment on the AV? According to the post by "basicblues" on the Problems and Solutions discussion board, his dealer told him that there was no rear-end alignment adjustments that could be made and that they had to "loosen the whole rear end" to make an adjustment. What's the real story? I would tend to think that there are rear-end adjustments that can be made to the alignment without having to loosen the whole rear end and re-tighten. Can anyone confirm this?

timfarn · November 2001

The torsion adjustment is on the front only. An adjustment on only one torsion bar will affect the height on each corner as it transfers the load. Realignment is required after any appreciable change.

Rear end alignment is only needed if the vehicle is "dogtracking" - the rear axle can be shifted which affects both wheels as they are not independent of each other.

I had some drift/pull on my Av, the dealer has adjusted the toe today and it is ready to be poicked up.

wfbarto · November 2001

According to your post, a torsion bar adjustment is the way to adjust the vehicle into a level stance and an alignment is needed thereafter. I guess by saying this you are implying that there is a rear-end alignment on the AV? According to the post by "basicblues" on the Problems and Solutions discussion board, his dealer told him that there was no rear-end alignment adjustments that could be made and that they had to "loosen the whole rear end" to make an adjustment. What's the real story? I would tend to think that there are rear-end adjustments that can be made to the alignment without having to loosen the whole rear end and re-tighten. Can anyone confirm this?

minikin · November 2001

is coil/solid axle, I would assume any height change made by rear alterations would be through a spring change, shims, or (as a last resort on a new truck) spring rubbers. Maybe what the dealer wanted to do was to just loosen everything up with the truck weight on the suspension and then retighten it all and hope the height misalignment settles out. Might work, but probably not.
-- Don

showme1 · November 2001

See post 61 of "problems and solutions". Mine was low on left front, again, just a simple adjustment of the torsion bar tension. Timfarm is correct, after adjustment, must have alignment. Mine was off on camber a little in addition to the torsion bar adjustment per the dealer.

My service tech said he had seen many that were low on left front corner. Might pay to take it in and get checked. He said he couldn't understand it as he had not seen many Suburbans with the same problem, and they are built on the same frame.

Roger

dcrisler · November 2001

http://samsclub.com/eclub/main_shopping.jsp?coe=0&oidPath=0%3a-15278%3a-15282%3a628338&mt=a&n=0&BV_SessionID= _SC_1541600356.1006660284_CS_&BV _EngineID=cccjadcdjgkdkkecfkfcfkjdgoodfkg.0

if the link does not work... goto samsclub.com then click on toys and then rc's.

ygmn · November 2001

I saw the RC AVY with RC boat and must say it was pretty cool but $100 ish.

Only came in RED at my local SAMS

simtechray · November 2001

Can someone check this for me before I head to the dealer.
Does the light that is above the rotary dial that controls the instrument lights suppose to light up at night? The symbol looks like a straight line with a sun underneath.
Thanks in advance

basicblues · November 2001

I just checked my AV and mine doesn't light up either.

FYI/You can turn your daytime running lamps off by pressing the "Dome Override" button 4 times within 6 seconds. Press it 4 times again and the lights are back on. This will also turn your headlights on and off when it's dark.

Hour Meter/With the engine off press and hold the "Trip Odometer". After a few seconds the total hours that your engine has been run will display.

ryanbab · November 2001

check this out

Av with painted cladding and a cap on the back

hunter98 · November 2001

Can I BORROW the winch off of that. I would sure like to have one of those

It looks alot better. But wouldn't the guy have been a lot better off served with a 1500HD with a Cap, or with a Suburban.

Hunter

midlifecrisis · November 2001

Might as well buy a 1500 or a Suburban. This edition loses a lot of the Av's differentiating features.

timfarn · November 2001

You're right, hunter/midlife. How do you use the top boxes with the cap? The hard covers could give two levels of storage, but can they be removed with the cap on? How tall would you need to be to reach the glass to close the cap? This 2500 Av is overdone - HD or Sub/XL would give as much storage with extra seating to boot.

timfarn · November 2001

Bigblok - your post didn't make much sense. Did you lose two engines? Considering you may have had the only 2001 Avalanche manufactured, you should have held on to it regardless of the problems, as it would surely be a collector's item.

glfweb · November 2001

Tailgate on my AV requires a firm slam to close securely. Only then can I get it to lock. The other day it popped open while driving after hitting a bump, and I had checked it before I started driving. Before I take it in, wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this problem.

timfarn · November 2001

Always shuts tightly; sounds like a door. No problems locking. On the other end, hood still requires a slam.

bowhuntwi · November 2001

with a 95 GMC Extended cab...so this is not a new problem, take it in and have them replace the parts needed, just tell them it falls down on it's own when it likes. I can't remember what exactly they changed, but they did fix the problem.

bshef1 · November 2001

has quite a large piece of wheather-striping to contend with. I think this is the main reason people encounter this symptom at times. I have experienced this only a couple times in the 4000 miles that I have had mine. I "always" lock my tailgate after closing as an add'l precaution.
I have also had to "adjust" this wheather-striping. I noticed that it will occassionally "shift" around on the bottom perimeter or become offset.

Brad in SoCal

ryr8828 · November 2001

My tailgate takes a pretty good slam to shut it, on the left side mainly. When I test drove it after delivery the tailgate came open. Scared me, I thought someone had hit me in the rear bumper.

jcody1 · November 2001

..according to Crutchfield. I called them and they said they have worked on one Avalanche so far. They suggested a four channel amp and new speakers. They confirmed OnStar WILL NOT work if you remove the factory head unit, and there are No aftermarket head units that support OnStar (yet).

ygmn · November 2001

When the panels are on and the midgate is up you have to really shut the tailgate hard to get it to latch fully. The lock works on the handle mechanism only so will not help keep the tailgate closed.

If one side does not shut maybe the latches need to be adjusted or something.

You can adjust where the panels are by loosening the mounting thingys underneath.

ygmn · November 2001

I was at dealer and checked it out. They sanded all the cladding smooth then painted them even the grab handles in the back. Also the cladding extends over the wheel wells. Not bad but I prefer mine grey and bumpy to hide road debris damage better.

I did like the color White pearl metallic something.

whitevette01 · November 2001

Was wondering the same. If over time the Chevy
version would hold up better. Rough cladding vs
the smooth painted. Parking dings, rubs. If
rough damaged just replace, no painting.

Now it did have some features liked standard
but $51,540 ???. Power Folding mirrors,
rear sensors, steering wheel audio.

timfarn · November 2001

What happened to bigblok after his nonsensical post? Just another troll trying to stir the pot?

Chevrolet Avalanche

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