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Hello is there anyone out there????</P>

Yes, im considering an Avalanche for my next vehicle, among others. If i were to buy one, I would probably get the model with the flares like the pickups have. I dont particularly care for the ones with the full body cladding. However I have seen a few that have the cladding painted body color with a lift kit and they look much better.I'm not that fond of the models with nothing on the sides either. They are a little to plain for my tastes. Do you know if you can buy a 2500 version without the full cladding? Itow and would like a little more power than the 5.3 has to offer. PlusI hate 10 bolt axles. They were designed for cars back in the 70s and really have no place under a truck.Not only that, but the 4L60E transmission in the 1500s isnt exactly bullet proof.

I have a '02 cladded and would not even consider a WBH (without body hardware) Avalanche! The cladding not only protects you from those<IMG src=uploads/Z66Butch/1C9F4_Steves_Picture_Of_Avalanceh.JPG border="0"> parking lot dings it looks great! Take a good look at the WBH's they have the same front clip as a Silverado where the Avalanche with cladding is pure Avalanche! </P>


Good Luck in your search!</P>


Butch</P>

O.K. I bought an '04 Avalanche 1500 with a 6" lift and 35" BFGs. Its red with full Flowmaster exhaust. The 5.3 feels much stronger than I expected. I was planning on a 2500, but the 8-11 mpg I was getting with my big block Suburban was beggining to take a psycological toll on me. Most people I talk to claim about 14 around town, and 17-18 on the Highway with the 5.3. We,ll see.

Most people I talk to claim about 14 around town, and 17-18 on the Highway with the 5.3. We,ll see. </P>


I have the avalanche with no cladding and get 22mpg<IMG src=smileys/smiley17.gif border="0"></P>

So far I am getting 12 to 16. Not as good as I had hoped.

ORIGINAL: Z66 Butch

&lt;P&gt;I have a '02 cladded and would not even consider a WBH (without body hardware) Avalanche! The cladding not only protects you from those&lt;IMG src=uploads/Z66Butch/1C9F4_Steves_Picture_Of_Avalanceh.JPG border="0"&gt; parking lot dings it looks great! Take a good look at the WBH's they have the same front clip as a Silverado where the Avalanche with cladding is pure Avalanche! &lt;/P&gt;
&lt;P&gt;Good Luck in your search!&lt;/P&gt;
&lt;P&gt;Butch&lt;/P&gt;


I liked it better with cladding.

TAke care and God bless,
1ND-hoppe