Durmax for Avalanche 2002?

rablrowser · December 6, 2001

Does anyone know if the Avalanche is/will be available with 6.6L Duramax Diesel with Allison Tranny and 4.10 gears for 2001 or 2002? Talk about the ultimate tow rig! Any info would be greatly appreciated.

chevy4x4trucks · December 6, 2001

I haven't heard any talk of diesel yet, but even w/ the 8.1 big block it is a towing machine. I think they currently run the 4L80E transmission in the 3/4 tons and the 4L60E in the 1/2 tons, but not 100% sure. That would be awesome to get it w/ a diesel and the allison tranny and very expensive.

Kansas Kid · December 6, 2001

I'd say the chance of getting a Duramax/Allison combo in an Avalanche is dang near 0%. They can't fit the Allison tranny under the Suburban/Avalanche floor pan, and they are too cheap to redesign it to fit the Allison. Thats why the are the 8.1 has the 4L85e in both (simply an upgraded 4L80e, that won't get destroyed by the 8.1).

At one point in time I heard that they were going to offer a detuned Duramax/4L85e in the Suburbans, but I believe thats not going to happen either. The Duramax plant is operating at full capacity right now just to supply the demand for the 2500HD/3500 trucks, and the soon to be introduced medium duty trucks. So unless they expand the plant in the next year or two, it probably won't happen.

I personally hope they do expand the plant, so they build more motors and can put the Duramax in the Suburban/Avalanche and also build a V6 "baby" Duramax for the half ton pickups...

Greg · December 7, 2001

Not sure what it is, maybe the ride difference, but I always thought my Sierra would be well-served by a diesel. However, I think the Av is made for a gas engine and all the acceleration it can muster.