The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II, specifically the Crew Cab Long Box configuration with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine paired with an Allison automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration of Chevrolet’s heavy-duty pickup truck lineage. Produced from 2011 to 2014 as part of the GMT900 platform’s facelift, this variant was aimed squarely at the demanding needs of commercial users, farmers, and those requiring substantial towing and hauling capabilities. It occupied the upper echelon of the Silverado 3500 HD lineup, offering a balance of power, refinement, and work-ready durability. This particular model, designated as a Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) configuration, further enhanced its stability and payload capacity.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD II (GMT900, facelift 2011) Crew Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (397 Hp) DRW 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 | 8.6 kg/Hp, 115.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 302.8 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 | 3425 kg (7550.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5897 kg (13000.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 2472 kg (5449.83 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%) | 7484 kg (16499.4 lbs.) |
| Length | 6581 mm (259.09 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2436 mm (95.91 in.) |
| Height | 1979 mm (77.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 4260 mm (167.72 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1906 mm (75.04 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216 mm (8.5 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 16.9 m (55.45 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive. Internal Combustion engine. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| 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, 355×40 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 373×34 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 235/80 R17; 265/70 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado 3500 HD II is the Duramax LML 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8. This engine represents a significant evolution of the Duramax design, incorporating a redesigned combustion chamber, improved fuel injection strategies, and a more robust cooling system. The LML utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine’s valvetrain employs an overhead valve (OHV) configuration, favored for its simplicity and durability. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides increased air intake, boosting power and torque output. The Allison 6-speed automatic transmission is specifically tuned to handle the immense torque produced by the Duramax engine. This transmission features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency at highway speeds and heavy-duty internal components for reliability under demanding conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque delivered by this combination translate into impressive real-world performance. While not designed for outright speed, the Silverado 3500 HD II excels at towing and hauling heavy loads. The Allison transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for pulling power, providing strong acceleration even when fully loaded. Compared to lower-output Silverado trims, this Duramax-equipped model offers a substantial increase in capability. The DRW configuration further enhances stability, particularly when towing large trailers. The ride quality, while firm due to the heavy-duty suspension, is surprisingly comfortable for a truck of this size. The automatic transmission simplifies operation, making it a preferred choice for drivers who prioritize ease of use over manual control.
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, remote start, and various towing packages. The interior design was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The dashboard layout was straightforward, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 3500 HD II features a robust chassis designed to withstand heavy loads. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. The rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design, offering excellent load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The DRW configuration utilizes a wider track width, improving stability and reducing body roll.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2011-2014 Silverado 3500 HD II with the Duramax engine and Allison transmission was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its powerful engine, smooth-shifting transmission, and impressive towing capabilities. Fuel economy, while not exceptional, was considered reasonable for a heavy-duty truck of this size. Compared to gasoline-powered Silverado 3500 HD models, the Duramax diesel offered significantly better fuel economy and torque. The Duramax/Allison combination was often seen as a superior choice for those who frequently tow or haul heavy loads. However, the higher initial cost and potentially higher maintenance expenses were drawbacks for some buyers.
Legacy
The Duramax LML engine and Allison transmission pairing have proven to be remarkably reliable over the long term, provided they are properly maintained. These trucks continue to hold their value in the used car market, particularly those in good condition with well-documented service histories. The Silverado 3500 HD II remains a popular choice for those seeking a capable and durable heavy-duty pickup truck. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and coolant flushes. The Duramax engine is known for its longevity, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles with minimal issues. The Allison transmission is also highly regarded for its durability and reliability.
