Avalon Guru's - Difference between Gen I & Gen II chassis...

[MCX20-XLS]

I just purchase a 2001 Avalon XLS with 76,000kms... my first time joining the Toyota family...

Im trying to establish the differences between the chassis on Gen I and Gen II Avalon's. Im hoping some of the Avalon guru's can contribute to this thread. As everyone knows this genereation looks totally different on the outside. Underneath all the bodywork they also seem very similar. I researched all the reliable forums\articles to get the most information available. Ive even compared the brochures between the ES300/Camry/Solara/Avalon from Toyota reference.

Im posting in this forum since there's 5 times more traffic in here & a ratio of 20 to 1 for people who actually mod & know their Avalons.

Chassis - From what Ive read the 97-01 Camry/ES300/Solara rides on a 105 inch wheelbase. The Avalon has always rode on a stretched version of this chassis at 107 inches. This is the same length as the 02-06 Camry/ES300/330 which make me question if the Gen II Avalon shares any of its parts with the Gen 5 Camry...

Suspension - From the mods & available aftermarket parts they are all interchangeable. I doubt a base Camry has the same specifications/set up as a ES300. The 00-04 XLS Avalon weighs 3440lbs, a hundred more than the next largest model. I just ordered some JIC Magic coils specific to the Gen 3 & 4 Camry so I hope they fit...

Steering - Did the ES receive a different steering rack/ratio ? Im sure the ES300 does not share the same set up as say a 4 cyl Camry... Can anyone clarify the different systems used between the ES & Camry ? I have no idea which system Avalon has relation to...

Brakes - Im sure Avalon's use the larger 2 piston calipers up front. The Avalon also has larger 11.4" rear rotors only found on early ES300's... Can anyone comment the braking systems shared between models ?

I would appreciate it if anyone can expand on these topics to help me get a better understanding of the car.