The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD II, specifically the Crew Cab Long Box configuration with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 397 horsepower, represents a significant iteration of Chevrolet’s heavy-duty pickup truck lineage. Produced from 2011 to 2014, this model falls within the GMT900 platform’s facelifted generation. It was positioned as a premium offering within the 2500HD lineup, catering to buyers needing substantial towing and hauling capacity combined with a more refined driving experience than the gasoline-powered alternatives. This variant aimed to balance capability with comfort, appealing to both commercial users and private owners requiring a robust work truck.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 2500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 2500 HD II (GMT900, facelift 2011) Crew Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (397 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp, 117.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 307 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 397 Hp @ 3000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1037 Nm @ 1600 rpm (764.85 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 3000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Duramax LML |
| Engine displacement | 6599 cm3 (402.7 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 103 mm (4.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 99 mm (3.9 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 24 l (25.36 US qt | 21.12 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3378 kg (7447.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 4536 kg (10000.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1158 kg (2552.95 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2138 l (75.5 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 136 l (35.93 US gal | 29.92 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 5897 kg (13000.66 lbs.) |
| Length | 6581 mm (259.09 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1984 mm (78.11 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 4018 mm (158.19 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1709 mm (67.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 208 mm (8.19 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 16.7 m (54.79 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Allison |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 350×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×34 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 245/75 R17; 265/70 R17; 265/70 R18; 265/60 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18; 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado 2500HD is the Duramax LML 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8. This engine represents a significant evolution of the Duramax design, incorporating a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) for improved responsiveness and efficiency. The LML featured a redesigned combustion chamber, stronger connecting rods, and a more robust cooling system compared to its predecessors. Fuel is delivered via a high-pressure common rail diesel injection system, allowing for precise fuel metering and optimized combustion. The engine utilizes an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, a design choice favored for its durability and simplicity in heavy-duty applications. The Allison 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with the Duramax, providing smooth and reliable shifting even under heavy loads. This transmission is known for its durability and ability to handle the engine’s substantial torque output.
Driving Characteristics
The 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque produced by the Duramax engine translate into impressive towing and hauling capabilities. While not a performance-oriented truck, the Silverado 2500HD with this powertrain offers ample power for accelerating with a load or maintaining highway speeds. The Allison transmission is well-tuned to work with the engine’s torque curve, providing smooth and predictable shifts. Compared to the 6.0-liter gasoline V8 option, the Duramax offers significantly more low-end torque, making it ideal for towing. The automatic transmission, while convenient, does result in a slight reduction in fuel economy compared to the available manual transmission. However, the convenience and ease of use of the automatic were preferred by many buyers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab Long Box configuration offered a spacious interior with seating for five passengers. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and vinyl upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the LT and LTX, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium audio system, and navigation. Optional extras included a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment system, and various towing packages. The interior design was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 2500HD utilizes a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform for heavy-duty use. The front suspension features an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design. This configuration provides a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS standard. The braking system is appropriately sized for the truck’s weight and towing capacity.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6-liter Duramax and Allison automatic was generally well-received by critics and consumers. It was praised for its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and comfortable ride. Compared to the gasoline-powered Silverado 2500HD, the Duramax offered superior fuel economy and towing capacity. However, the Duramax engine and Allison transmission came at a significant price premium. Compared to competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500, the Silverado 2500HD was considered to be a competitive offering, with a strong reputation for reliability.
Legacy
The Duramax LML engine and Allison transmission pairing have proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. Properly maintained examples of this powertrain can easily exceed 200,000 miles. On the used car market, these Silverado 2500HDs remain popular choices for buyers seeking a capable and dependable heavy-duty truck. The combination of power, towing capacity, and reliability has cemented its place as a desirable workhorse. While newer trucks offer more advanced technology and features, the 2011-2014 Silverado 2500HD continues to represent a solid value proposition for those needing a robust and capable pickup truck.
