HEAVY-DUTY ISN’T
A DESCRIPTION,
IT’S A MANDATE.
A heavy-duty pickup is a totally different beast. It
needs to haul much larger loads. It needs to house
larger displacement engines. To satisfy those heavy-
duty demands, Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD
pickups employ advanced frame components, like
the high-strength steel in the mid-section and a
hydroformed front section. Hydroforming achieves
several objectives simultaneously; it reduces the
stretching and subsequent weakening of the steel
during the forming process, while also making the
frame lighter than the welded boxed steel used in
conventional frames. The pickups that deserve to be
called heavy-duty: Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD.
SILVERADO HD ENGINEERING
LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL
The objective was to provide more torque to the rear wheel
with better traction at low speeds, especially on slippery
surfaces. The technological solution is provided by the available
heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential. It engages
automatically when the speed difference between the rear
wheels reaches about 100 rpm.
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
The available integrated brake controller enables the trailer’s brakes
to operate in sync with the vehicle’s brakes. The controller
is integrated with Silverado’s electrical system and anti-lock
braking system. To activate the controller, simply use the switch
located on the lower left section of the instrument panel.
HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL
The mid-section of the Silverado HD frame uses lipped
C-section rails made of high-strength steel. They are
roll-formed and draw-bent during manufacturing for
maximum strength.
HYDROFORMED FRONT SECTION
Hydroformed front section side rails allow for precise
attachment of suspension components. Benefi ts include
more exact tuning of the ride and handling.
TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSION
Silverado HD models feature an independent short/long
arm (SLA) suspension with a torsion bar connecting the
long lower control arm to a frame cross member. It’s a
design that allows for high gross vehicle weight ratings,
resulting in superior load-carrying capacity. It also
contributes to a smooth, comfortable ride.
ELECTRONIC 4x4 SYSTEM
The electronically controlled 4x4 transfer case permits easy
shift-on-the-fl y control, to address changing road conditions.
The system features optimized low-range gears and a
lightweight transfer case assembly with aluminum housings,
yet it has the toughness you expect from a Chevy HD pickup.
It is standard on 2500HD and 3500HD LT and LTZ 4x4 models.
A lever-operated part-time 2-speed transfer case is standard
on WT 4x4 models.
GM OIL LIFE MONITORING SYSTEM
This computer-based system assesses engine oil condition
and optimizes oil change intervals based on vehicle and
environmental operating conditions. The benefi ts include
reduced oil change frequency and lower overall operating costs.
DRIVER INFORMATION CENTRE
The standard Driver Information Centre (DIC) provides another
example of Silverado HD’s smart technology. It monitors
numerous functions – everything from detailed trip data to a
ADVANCED BRAKING SYSTEM
Four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel ABS are standard, as
is dynamic rear proportioning (DRP) that optimizes rear brake
performance under different loads. The system also achieves
better brake pedal feel.
QUIET RIDE
Silverado HD was engineered for a more comfortable ride. This
was accomplished through the use of hydraulic engine mounts,
optimized exhaust and induction tuning, a spray-on liquid
dampener, an underhood blanket, the use of front and engine-
side instrument panel mats, and a back-of-cab acoustic mat.
The result just may be the quietest heavy-duty pickup you’ve
ever driven.
Z71 OFF-ROAD PACKAGE
The Z71 Off-Road Package increases both off-roading capability
and durability. The ride is made more comfortable by the 46 mm
high-pressure gas-charged shocks. Other features of the
package include: a skid plate package, off-road jounce bumpers
and a 34 mm front stabilizer bar. The Z71 Package is available
on LT and LTZ 2500HD and 3500HD Single Rear Wheel models.
ULTRASONIC REAR PARKING ASSIST
When in Reverse at low speeds, the ultrasonic rear parking
assist detects objects in your path up to 2.4 m (8 ft.) behind
the vehicle and activates audio warnings. Available on LT and
LTZ models.
series of chassis messages, such as engine hours logged
and engine oil life status. The DIC then uses a large display
to communicate this information. Push-button controls
further enhance functionality. The DIC also includes an
8-point compass and exterior temperature readouts on
LT and LTZ models.
HOTCHKISS-STYLE REAR SUSPENSION
The robust Hotchkiss-style live axle rear suspension features
heavy-duty monotube gas-charged shock absorbers. It provides
a smooth ride, whether the truck is loaded or unloaded.
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