2002 Chevrolet
Avalanche
Avalanche
Powertrain Is All Chevy Truck
Underneath the bold styling
and unique adaptability of the Avalanche is nothing but pure Chevy Truck. And
that means Vortec engine power and performance.
 Vortec 5300
V8
The powerful and efficient
Vortec 5300 V8 engine is the only engine available on the Avalanche. The engine
has an established track record for being able to withstand the real-world
conditions of recreational and commercial use, while still offering outstanding
performance day in and day out.
The durable Vortec 5300
produces 285 hp at 5,200 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Its
impressive low-end torque and exceptionally strong, flat torque curve deliver
excellent pulling power with 90 percent of its peak torque available from 1,600
to 5,000 rpm.
The engine’s durable design
includes a deep-skirt cast-iron block with heavy-duty six-bolt cross-bolted main
bearing caps. Bridging the two cylinder banks is a structural die-cast aluminum
valley cover that enhances the block’s torsional strength. A structural oil pan
also is used to increase the engine’s overall stiffness. These features reduce
noise and vibration and help deliver a noticeably smooth, refined
performance.
Thanks to the catalytic
converter system being moved closer to the engine by using two small-volume pipe
converters, the converters reach their operating temperature more quickly for
better emission performance. It is so efficient that an A.I.R. (Air Injection
Reaction) system is no longer needed, reducing complexity and weight. The result
is that the Vortec 5300 meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification
requirements in California and Northeastern states.
The Vortec 5300 also
monitors oil quality and quantity levels through the GM Oil Life System – a
segment exclusive. This system continuously analyzes factors that determine the
useful life of the oil. When the system senses that the oil has only 10 percent
of its useful life remaining, the driver is notified of the need to "change oil"
via the Driver Message Center.
A standard engine coolant
level sensor will help avert potential engine damage if there is a sudden loss
of coolant protection. The Driver Message Center will notify the driver if the
engine is overheating. The engine will go into a "limp home" mode once coolant
temperature reaches 265 degrees Fahrenheit by running on alternating banks of
four cylinders while using cool air to cool itself. This allows the driver to
continue driving for up to 25 miles until reaching a service facility without
damaging the engine.
The Vortec 5300 also has
incorporated several other enhancements that help deliver better performance and
lower emissions. These include:
•A simplified two-point
vapor venting system, which reduces complexity and weight.
•A new
crankshaft sensor reluctor ring, used by the crankshaft sensor to determine
crankshaft position, that improves reliability.
•A recontoured engine
cover that provides quieter operation and enhances the appearance of the
engine compartment.
 4L60-E Automatic
Transmission
The 4L60-E electronically
controlled 4-speed automatic transmission that is mated to the Vortec 5300
engine offers precise shifting and performance, lending to the smooth operation
of the Avalanche’s powertrain.
The transmission’s high
fluid capacity and the efficiency of the torque converter minimize operating
temperature, increasing long-term durability. And a full bell-housing design
helps maximize the transmission’s structural integrity for smoother, quieter
operation.
The transmission features
GM’s segment-exclusive Tow/Haul mode that is geared to heavy hauling or
trailering.
By a simple press of a
button on the shift lever, the transmission’s shift pattern becomes much more
aggressive by lengthening the time between gear shifts and making the gear shift
itself much more quickly. It also provides higher line pressure for a smoother,
more constant shift feel.
Autotrac
Four-Wheel-Drive
The Autotrac active transfer
case that is standard on four-wheel-drive models provides maximum control under
most road conditions. The simple design of this computer-operated system makes
it more reliable than similar systems from competitors while offering highly
refined operation.
It uses an instrument
panel-mounted, four-button selector to engage 2HI, AUTO 4WD, 4HI, 4LO and
Neutral. The system is flexible enough to offer different ranges depending on
road conditions. The system interactively monitors the road in the AUTO 4WD mode
and transfers torque delivery from the rear to the front wheels, as needed, to
optimize traction in slippery or changing road conditions.
For serious off-road
operation or in snow or mud, the system offers a 4HI mode, which is a part-time
four-wheel-drive system using all four wheels to drive the vehicle, and a 4LO
mode, for when a high level of torque may be needed such as when climbing steep
grades or towing a boat up a launch.
Structural Rigidity Offers
Outstanding Ride and Handling, Hauling Capability
Avalanche provides an
exceptionally smooth ride and responsive handling, whether carrying six
passengers or one, loaded or unloaded with cargo. Its ride and handling are due
in part to the Avalanche’s exceptional body strength and structural
rigidity.
The Avalanche rides on a
130-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 221.7 inches, which is a shorter
wheelbase and overall length than a conventional extended-cab pickup. But it
maintains all the strength expected of a full-size vehicle.
Fully Integrated Cargo
Box
The vehicle is extremely
strong, rigid and dimensionally accurate, with a structural stiffness rated at
23.5 Hertz (Hz). Using the 1500 Series Suburban with its body-on-frame design as
a basis, engineers created a highly balanced, fully integrated rear-end design
by adding large boxed sections for extra support virtually throughout the whole
rear of the vehicle. This design produces a back-end structure that is
completely integral to the vehicle, with the sheet metal formed to the rear
pillar in a smooth seamless fashion. This is unlike major crossover competitors,
which have a traditional separate cab and box structure.
The large boxed sections,
which act like beams, are used throughout the vehicle. Engineers created one
large box section, which forms a whole ring around the opening in the C-pillar
area where the Midgate is located, to provide the central support for
the whole back of the Avalanche.
As part of the C-ring, there
are vertical, tubular pillars in the rear quarter pillar, or "sail" panels, of
the vehicle running from the top of the cab to the floor. There also are
reinforcements that run down from the roof at a 45-degree angle.
Avalanche also uses a
laser-welded ring for the front doors, eliminating the need for hinge pillar
reinforcements and multiple welds. The underbody features welded-together cross
sills under the driver and passenger seats that form a one-piece floor panel
support for maximum rigidity. The roof panel uses reinforced steel for
outstanding strength.
Hydroformed
Frame
The advantage of GM’s
advanced, modular 1500 Series truck frame is its strong stable foundation for
the body, powertrain and suspension. The fully welded ladder frame features
hydroformed front and rear frame rails for added structural rigidity, more frame
strength and dimensional precision than a conventional box design.
In the hydroforming process,
a hollow, round steel tube is bent to general form, sealed at one end and filled
with fluid. In a press, the fluid is pressurized to form the frame rail from the
inside out. Because the entire steel tube is pressurized equally, a very
consistent shape is achieved without any weak spots.
The use of hydroforming in
the construction of the rails and engine cross members eliminates hundreds of
inches of weld for improved dimensional control of mounting brackets.
Trailer-Ready
Design
Aided by Avalanche’s strong
frame and body, engineers were able to create a vehicle that is ready for the
long haul.
The Avalanche offers a
maximum payload capacity of approximately 1,363 lbs. for two-wheel-drive models
and approximately 1,322 lbs. for four-wheel-drive models.
Avalanche also features a
trailer-ready design. Special suspension or cooling packages are not needed to
obtain maximum trailering performance. A 4.10 axle ratio, a no-cost option, is
all that is required for maximum trailer capacity. The standard axle ratio is
3.73.
Every Avalanche has a
standard pre-installed seven-wire socket to simplify the trailer preparation
process. In addition, the standard Z82 Heavy-Duty Trailering Package includes a
12,000-pound weight-distributing hitch platform and a trailer brake controller
jumper harness.
The maximum trailer rating
of the Avalanche is 8,300 pounds for the two-wheel-drive model and 8,100 pounds
for the four-wheel-drive model (when properly equipped with the 4.10 axle
ratio).
 Avalanche Keeps Everything
Under Control
The Avalanche emits a sense
of control, from its commanding view of the road to its aggressive styling, but
keeping everything in control is the work of the specially designed suspension
system.
Steering
For less effort and precise
control, the Avalanche features an integral power-assisted recirculating ball
steering system. This system is standard on two-wheel-drive models and provides
excellent control and easy maneuverability at all speeds. The Avalanche has a
tight curb-to-curb turning circle of 43 feet.
Four-wheel-drive models
benefit from a speed-sensitive (Electronic Variable Orifice) power steering
system, which offers additional assistance and ease of use, especially useful
for trailering. The system reduces steering effort at lower speeds, such as when
parking and reverts to normal steering effort at higher vehicle speeds. The
system also is designed to operate at a lower power steering fluid temperature
to help extend the useful life of the fluid.
Independent Front
Suspension
The independent front
suspension has unique torsion bar and shock absorber tuning to optimize the
levels of control and ride quality of both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive
models to meet the expectations of those vehicles’ drivers.
The front suspension uses
precision-machined modular cast-iron lower control arms, which are more
dimensionally accurate than stamped or welded components. They complement the
hydroformed front frame rails to provide a highly precise front-end alignment
for a solid on-center feel and reduced tire wear. A long-life, energy-absorbing
mircocellular urethane front jounce bumper also helps smooth out severe bumps
and the 1.25 inch (32mm) stabilizer bar reduces body roll in cornering for more
precise handling.
Five-Link Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
The Avalanche’s five-link
coil spring rear suspension delivers both the comfort and ride quality of a
family vehicle and the load-carrying capability of a work truck – something that
can’t be said of competitors’ leaf spring suspension systems.
The five-link system
consists of two forged steel upper control arms and two stamped steel lower
control arms with bushings on each end for better isolation. These components
control the axle’s fore-aft and vertical position and a track bar controls the
axle’s lateral position. A 1.125 inch (28.6mm) stabilizer bar also helps reduce
body roll while cornering for better handling.
And for handling even the
heaviest loads, the rear suspension features tall jounce bumpers, which act as a
second-stage spring to help carry heavy cargo box loads.
Suspension
Packages
The ZQ1 Smooth Ride
Suspension is standard on all models. It includes 16-inch aluminum wheels and
P265/75R16 all-season tires.
Avalanche also offers two
suspension packages for improved off-road and on-road ride and
handling.
The Z71 Off-Road Suspension
for four-wheel-drive models includes P265/70R17 on/off-road tires for maximum
traction in loose soil, specially tuned springs, 46mm Bilstein gas-pressurized
shock absorbers in the front and rear, specially tuned jounce bumpers and a
stabilizer bar to help minimize the impact of large suspension inputs on ride
and handling. The package also includes skid plates, a locking rear
differential, a high-capacity air cleaner, Z71 decals and aggressively designed
rubber floor mats.
The Z66 Premium On-Road
Suspension for two-wheel-drive models includes P265/70R17 all-season touring
tires, specially tuned springs, 46mm Bilstein high-pressure gas-charged shock
absorbers in the front and Sachs self-leveling rear shocks. Electronic traction
assist and a locking rear differential are included with the package along with
Z66 decals and aggressively designed rubber floor mats.
Brakes
Building on GM’s world-class
braking systems, the Avalanche features a standard four-wheel anti-lock vented
disc brake system. With large rotors for a generous sweep area and vented discs
to quickly dissipate heat, the system provides exceptional braking
performance.
The system utilizes GM’s
advanced Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP) system as well to provide outstanding
brake performance under all conditions and types of vehicle loads, even when
trailering.
The DRP system monitors
wheel speed and, as needed, automatically modulates the pressure applied to the
rear brakes to ensure that braking loads are balanced between the front and rear
brakes. This reduces wear on the front brakes and results in more effective
braking performance for enhanced safety while increasing front brake pad
life.
The four-wheel anti-lock
braking system (ABS) recognizes rapid changes in wheel speed and modulates the
amount of pressure applied to each brake. This enhances the stability and
steering of the vehicle during an emergency stop while improving the overall
performance of the brakes.
The front and rear brakes
have twin-piston calipers (aluminum calipers up front for more mass savings) for
exceptional braking power and even pressure over the brake pad. By applying
pressure more evenly, taper wear is reduced and brake feel is more consistent.
The brakes also use large,
long-lasting organic brake pads. The pads for both the front and rear discs have
audible wear sensors on the inboard and outboard disc brake pads to detect
impending pad wear-out. This provides a comprehensive alert of the need for
servicing before the pads wear out.
Electrical Technology
Adds to Durability, Reliability
With the growing number of
components that are controlled electronically on a vehicle, GM has undertaken
great efforts to reduce the potential for any electrical system failures. One
way to reduce that potential is to eliminate areas in the electrical system that
offer possible failure points. One such area is wire splices.
Bussed Electrical
Centers
In order to reduce the
potential for electrical system failures, the Avalanche features a combined
Bussed Electrical Center (BEC) and Class II electrical system architecture. The
Avalanche electrical system has just nine splices, a best-in-class design that
minimizes the number of possible failure points and dramatically contributes to
the durability and reliability of the system.
The four BECs in the vehicle
centrally locate electrical system functions, making them easier to service,
simplifying wiring connections and allowing the use of lighter gauge wire for
reduced mass. The BECs are located under the hood, in the passenger compartment
and on the left and right side of the instrument panel.
Driver Message
Center
Keeping the driver
up-to-date on the functions of the vehicle is the function of the Driver Message
Center. A sophisticated liquid-crystal display, the Driver Message Center
monitors and reports on the status of up to 15 vital vehicle functions. Status
messages are relayed from onboard computers to keep the driver fully aware of
the vehicle’s operating condition at all times.
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