The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II, specifically the Crew Cab Standard Box configuration with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 397 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, represents a significant iteration of Chevrolet’s heavy-duty pickup truck lineage. Produced from 2011 to 2014 as part of the GMT900 generation (following a facelift), this variant was aimed at buyers needing substantial towing and hauling capacity combined with a degree of interior comfort. It occupied a premium position within the Silverado 3500 HD lineup, offering a powerful diesel option for demanding tasks.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD II (GMT900, facelift 2011) Crew Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (397 Hp) 4WD SRW 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 | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.2 kg/Nm, 310 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 | 3345 kg (7374.46 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5216 kg (11499.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1871 kg (4124.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1718 l (60.67 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 | 6101 mm (240.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1966 mm (77.4 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) | 213 mm (8.39 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.4 m (50.52 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, 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II, in its Crew Cab Standard Box configuration with the 6.6L Duramax diesel, represented a significant upgrade over previous generations. Built on the GMT900 platform, this truck was designed to meet the demands of professional tradesmen and those requiring serious towing and hauling capabilities. The facelift in 2011 brought revised styling, improved interior materials, and enhanced features. This particular variant, with its powerful diesel engine and automatic transmission, aimed to provide a balance between work capability and everyday usability. It was positioned as a premium offering within the 3500 HD range, appealing to buyers who prioritized power and convenience.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 3500 HD lies the Duramax LML 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 engine. This engine is a testament to diesel technology, featuring a cast iron block, aluminum cylinder heads, and a robust crankshaft. The LML generation of the Duramax introduced a revised combustion chamber design and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to further reduce emissions. Fuel is delivered via a high-pressure common rail diesel injection system, ensuring precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine utilizes an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain. The Allison 6-speed automatic transmission is specifically tuned to handle the high torque output of the Duramax engine. This transmission features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency and a heavy-duty cooling system to prevent overheating under demanding conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque produced by the Duramax engine translate into impressive real-world performance. While not as quick off the line as gasoline-powered trucks, the Silverado 3500 HD with this powertrain excels in towing and hauling. The Allison automatic transmission provides smooth and predictable shifts, and the gear ratios are optimized for both low-end grunt and highway cruising. Compared to the 6.0L gasoline V8 option, the Duramax offers significantly more torque, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty applications. While a manual transmission was available on some Silverado 3500 HD models, the automatic was favored by many for its ease of use, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when towing. The 4WD system provides enhanced traction in challenging conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab configuration offered a spacious interior with seating for five passengers. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels, such as LT and LTX, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and a rear vision camera. The Standard Box provided a practical cargo bed length for a variety of hauling needs. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded wheels, and various towing packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 3500 HD 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 while maintaining stability. The rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring design, optimized for 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. The steering system utilizes a cone worm with recirculation balls, offering a responsive and precise feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2011-2014 Silverado 3500 HD with the Duramax diesel and Allison automatic received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and comfortable ride. Fuel economy, while not exceptional, was considered reasonable for a heavy-duty truck of this size. Compared to the gasoline-powered Silverado 3500 HD models, the Duramax variant commanded a higher price but offered superior towing and hauling capabilities. It also held its value better in the used car market. Compared to competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram Heavy Duty, the Silverado 3500 HD was often seen as a well-rounded and capable option.
Legacy
The Duramax LML engine paired with the Allison automatic transmission has proven to be a reliable and durable powertrain. Properly maintained, these engines can easily exceed 200,000 miles. In the used car market, these Silverado 3500 HD models remain popular choices for buyers seeking a capable and dependable heavy-duty truck. The combination of power, comfort, and reliability has cemented its place as a respected workhorse in the American trucking landscape. While newer generations of the Silverado 3500 HD offer even more advanced features and technology, the 2011-2014 models continue to represent a sweet spot for value and capability.
