I am original owner of a stock 3/4 ton 2002 Avalanche 4x4 8.1 vortex 107,000 mile (one of that last trucks to roll out of the Janesville WI plant) ---- Man, its is hard to find any after market add-ons for this model - plenty out there for the 2002 1500 and 2500 with the large 6 cylinders but not much for the 8.1
1) it leaks oil like a stuck pig (from basically day one); even dealer said it burns 1qt per/3000miles. Recently spent $6,000 on engine repairs replacing front and rear mains (3rd set) , every engine gasket; exhaust head gaskets , manifold cover, heads, oil pan, oil pan plug........It finally does not leak, but now I have truck that I have more money into than blue book values...
2) Front Tow Receiver Hitch - finally found a bolt on that fits from CURT, but it took a call to their tech support and a reorder...Web site was is correct that it fits like promised BUT not for the 8.1 Vortex,,,,they have it classes as a Chevy Seirra 2500hd crew cab CURT PART 31108 got for $118, free shipping, free hitch pin and cover included for me..fits like a glove with 6 fingers - had to trim cladding just a bit.
love the truck again now that it does not leak - the front hitch is for my protection because I have a tendency to get stuck ...plan to get a portable winch mounted on a hitch plate so I can use it on the front or rear trailer hitch to get unstuck.