The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD II, specifically the 2011-2014 model year facelift within the GMT900 generation, represented a significant evolution in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck offerings. This variant, configured with an Extended Cab, Long Box, a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 397 horsepower, a four-wheel drive (4WD) Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) setup, and an Allison automatic transmission, was positioned as a premium workhorse aimed at buyers needing substantial towing and hauling capacity. It served as a direct competitor to Ford’s Super Duty and Ram’s heavy-duty trucks, catering to the demands of commercial users, ranchers, and those requiring a robust personal vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD II (GMT900, facelift 2011) Extended Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (397 Hp) 4WD DRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp, 113.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 295.9 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 | 3505 kg (7727.2 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5897 kg (13000.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 2392 kg (5273.46 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%) | 8164 kg (17998.54 lbs.) |
| Length | 6337 mm (249.49 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2436 mm (95.91 in.) |
| Height | 1966 mm (77.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 4018 mm (158.19 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1906 mm (75.04 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 213 mm (8.39 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 16.1 m (52.82 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, 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 represented a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the LBZ. The LML featured a redesigned combustion chamber, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and a more efficient turbocharger. The engine utilized a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, while traditional, was robust and well-suited for the demands of a heavy-duty application. The Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission was specifically engineered to handle the substantial torque output of the Duramax engine. This transmission featured a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency and a heavy-duty cooling system to prevent overheating under strenuous loads.
Driving Characteristics
The 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque delivered by the Duramax engine provided impressive performance, even when towing heavy loads. While not a sports truck, the Silverado 3500 HD II offered ample power for merging onto highways and maintaining speed on inclines. The Allison transmission shifted smoothly and predictably, although it wasn’t as quick-shifting as some newer transmissions. The automatic transmission, while convenient, did slightly diminish the responsiveness compared to the available manual transmission options. The DRW configuration provided enhanced stability when towing, and the 4WD system ensured confident traction in various weather conditions. The ride quality, even unladen, was firm due to the heavy-duty suspension components.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Extended Cab configuration offered a second row of seating, increasing passenger capacity. 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 chrome exterior trim. Optional extras included a navigation system, a rear vision camera, and various towing packages. The interior design was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 3500 HD II featured a robust chassis designed to withstand heavy loads. The front suspension utilized an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring configuration. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The DRW setup significantly increased the truck’s stability and braking performance when towing.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2011-2014 Silverado 3500 HD II with the Duramax/Allison combination was generally well-received by critics and consumers. It was praised for its powerful engine, robust construction, and impressive towing capacity. Compared to the 6.0L gasoline V8 option, the Duramax diesel offered significantly more torque and better fuel economy, especially when towing. However, the diesel engine carried a higher price tag and required more frequent maintenance. Compared to the Ford Super Duty and Ram HD trucks, the Silverado 3500 HD II was often considered to be a strong all-around performer, offering a good balance of capability, comfort, and reliability.
Legacy
The Duramax LML engine and Allison transmission pairing proved to be exceptionally durable and reliable. Well-maintained examples of the 2011-2014 Silverado 3500 HD II continue to command strong resale values in the used car market. The engine is known for its longevity, with many units exceeding 200,000 miles with proper care. The Silverado 3500 HD II remains a popular choice for those seeking a capable and dependable heavy-duty truck, and its reputation for durability has solidified its place in the history of American pickup trucks.
