The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box, equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 397 horsepower and paired with a 4WD automatic transmission, was a prominent offering in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineup from 2015 to 2017. This configuration represented a sweet spot for buyers needing substantial towing and hauling capability without opting for the highest, and most expensive, trim levels. It sat squarely in the mid-range of the 2500HD offerings, bridging the gap between the gasoline-powered engines and the more specialized work truck configurations.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 2500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 2500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (397 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.2 kg/Nm, 309.3 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) |
| 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 | 22.4 l (23.67 US qt | 19.71 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3353 kg (7392.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 4536 kg (10000.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1183 kg (2608.07 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1728 l (61.02 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 | 6083 mm (239.49 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm (80.51 in.) |
| Height | 1987 mm (78.23 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3904 mm (153.7 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) | 15.7 m (51.51 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The K2XX generation of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, launched for the 2015 model year, represented a significant step forward in heavy-duty truck design. Built on a fully-boxed frame, it offered increased strength and rigidity compared to its predecessor. The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel paired with the Allison automatic transmission was a cornerstone of this generation, providing a robust and capable powertrain for demanding tasks. The Crew Cab configuration, combined with the standard box length, offered a balance of passenger space and cargo capacity, making it a popular choice for both work and family use. This particular variant, the 4WD automatic, was aimed at buyers who needed all-weather capability and the convenience of an automatic transmission for daily driving and towing.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado 2500HD is the Duramax LML 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8. This engine, a product of decades of diesel engine development by General Motors and Isuzu, is known for its durability and torque output. The LML featured a redesigned combustion chamber, improved fuel injectors, and a more efficient turbocharger compared to earlier Duramax engines. It utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system, delivering highly pressurized fuel directly into the cylinders for optimal combustion. The engine’s valvetrain employs an overhead valve (OHV) configuration, favored for its simplicity and reliability. The Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is specifically designed to handle the high torque output of the Duramax engine. It features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency and a heavy-duty cooling system to prevent overheating during demanding use. The transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both towing and highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque delivered by the Duramax/Allison combination provided ample power for towing and hauling. While not as quick off the line as gasoline-powered trucks, the Silverado 2500HD with this powertrain excelled in situations requiring sustained pulling power. The Allison transmission shifted smoothly and predictably, and the lock-up torque converter helped to maintain reasonable fuel economy on the highway. Compared to the 6.0-liter gasoline V8, the Duramax offered significantly more torque at lower RPMs, making it ideal for towing heavy loads. Compared to higher-output Duramax variants (typically found in 3500HD models), this 397 hp version offered a slightly more refined driving experience, with less engine noise and vibration. The 4WD system provided excellent traction in slippery conditions, enhancing its usability in a variety of environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2015-2017 Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab Standard Box with the Duramax engine typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and vinyl upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as LT and LTZ, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and a rearview camera. Optional extras included a trailer brake controller, a fifth-wheel hitch, and various appearance packages. The standard interior was functional and durable, while the higher trims offered a more luxurious and comfortable experience. The standard box length provided a good balance between cargo space and overall vehicle length.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 2500HD featured a robust chassis designed to withstand the stresses of heavy-duty use. The front suspension utilized an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. The rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring design, optimized for load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power even when towing. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The heavy-duty chassis and braking system were essential for safely controlling the truck when loaded or towing.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6-liter Duramax and Allison transmission was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and comfortable ride. Fuel economy, while not exceptional, was considered reasonable for a heavy-duty truck. Compared to the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500/3500, the Silverado offered a competitive combination of performance, features, and price. Some critics noted that the interior design was somewhat dated compared to its rivals, but the overall build quality and reliability were generally praised.
Legacy
The Duramax LML engine and Allison transmission pairing have proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. Well-maintained examples of the 2015-2017 Silverado 2500HD continue to command strong resale values in the used car market. The powertrain is known for its longevity, with many units exceeding 200,000 miles without major issues. The K2XX generation Silverado 2500HD established a reputation for being a capable and dependable work truck, and it remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a heavy-duty pickup with a proven track record. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and fuel filter replacements, is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
