The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 IV Crew Cab Short Box, equipped with the 3.0 Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine producing 277 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, was a significant offering in the North American full-size pickup truck market from 2018 to 2021. This variant represented Chevrolet’s attempt to provide a compelling blend of capability, fuel efficiency, and refinement within the highly competitive light-duty truck segment. It slotted into the Silverado lineup as a mid-range option, appealing to buyers who desired diesel torque for towing and hauling but didn’t necessarily require the higher outputs of the larger 6.6-liter Duramax or the gasoline-powered V8 options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 1500 |
| Generation | Silverado 1500 IV Crew Cab Short Box |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 Duramax TD (277 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 277 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 92.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 623 Nm @ 1500 rpm (459.5 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 5100 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LM2 |
| Engine displacement | 3000 cm3 (183.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 19.1 l (20.18 US qt | 16.81 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2309 kg (5090.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3311 kg (7299.51 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1002 kg (2209.03 lbs.) |
| AdBlue tank | 20.3 l (5.36 US gal | 4.47 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 4218 kg (9299.1 lbs.) |
| Length | 5885 mm (231.69 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2063 mm (81.22 in.) |
| Height | 1918 mm (75.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3745 mm (147.44 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 10 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330×30 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 345×20 mm |
| Tires size | 255/70 R17; 265/65 R18; 275/60 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17; 8.5J x 18; 9J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado variant is the GM LM2 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engine. This engine represented a departure from traditional V-style diesel configurations, offering a more compact and lighter-weight design. The LM2 utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and intercooler work in tandem to enhance power and efficiency. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high specific output. The 10-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, co-developed with Ford, provides a wide range of gear ratios, optimizing both acceleration and fuel economy. This transmission is known for its smooth shifts and responsiveness.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0 Duramax-powered Silverado 1500 offered a distinctly different driving experience compared to its gasoline-powered counterparts. While not possessing the outright acceleration of the larger V8 engines, the diesel delivered a substantial amount of low-end torque – 459.5 lb.-ft. – making it well-suited for towing and hauling heavy loads. The 10-speed automatic transmission helped keep the engine in its optimal power band, providing confident passing power. The gear ratios were tuned to prioritize fuel efficiency during highway cruising, while still offering ample power for everyday driving. Compared to the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 models, this variant prioritized fuel economy and usability over raw performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0 Duramax engine was available on various Silverado 1500 trim levels, including LT, RST, and High Country. Standard equipment typically included features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, keyless entry, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels added amenities such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included a sunroof, a bed liner, and various towing packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 1500 IV featured a fully boxed frame constructed from high-strength steel, providing a solid foundation for the truck. The front suspension utilized an independent coil spring design, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring setup. This configuration balanced ride comfort with load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with the front discs measuring 330×30 mm and the rear discs measuring 345×20 mm. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 3.0 Duramax Silverado 1500 received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and ample torque. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy compared to gasoline engines, and its acceleration wasn’t as brisk. Compared to the 5.3L V8, the Duramax offered significantly better fuel economy, particularly for those who frequently tow or haul. Compared to the larger 6.6L Duramax, it provided a more manageable size and weight, making it easier to maneuver in urban environments. Reliability reports have been generally favorable, with the LM2 engine proving to be a durable and dependable powerplant.
Legacy
The 3.0 Duramax engine has become a popular choice for Silverado 1500 buyers seeking a balance of capability and efficiency. The LM2 engine continues to be offered in subsequent Silverado generations, demonstrating its ongoing relevance in the full-size truck market. On the used car market, these models hold their value reasonably well, particularly those in good condition with well-documented maintenance histories. The combination of the Duramax engine and 10-speed automatic transmission has proven to be a reliable and capable powertrain, making this Silverado variant a solid choice for buyers looking for a versatile and long-lasting pickup truck.
