The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box, equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 397 horsepower and paired with a 4WD SRW Automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2015 to 2017, this variant occupied a premium position within the Silverado 3500 HD lineup, targeting buyers requiring substantial towing and hauling capabilities alongside a comfortable, crew cab interior. It was part of the third generation of the K2XX platform, known for its enhanced strength and refinement compared to its predecessors.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 3500 HD |
| Generation | Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 Duramax TD V8 (397 Hp) 4WD SRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 118.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.2 kg/Nm, 309.2 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) |
| 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 | 22.4 l (23.67 US qt | 19.71 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3354 kg (7394.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5216 kg (11499.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1862 kg (4105.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1728 l (61.02 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 | 6083 mm (239.49 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2045 mm (80.51 in.) |
| Height | 1985 mm (78.15 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) | 214 mm (8.43 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 15.8 m (51.84 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 | 7.5J x 17; 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado 3500 HD variant is the Duramax LML 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 engine. This engine, a cornerstone of GM’s heavy-duty truck strategy, is renowned for its durability and substantial torque output. The LML iteration introduced several refinements over its predecessor, including a redesigned turbocharger, improved fuel injection system, and enhanced cooling. The engine utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, while traditional, is robust and well-suited to the demands of heavy-duty operation. The Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is specifically engineered to handle the immense torque produced by 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 strenuous loads.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 397-horsepower Duramax engine and the Allison automatic transmission delivers a driving experience focused on capability rather than outright speed. While not a sports truck, the Silverado 3500 HD offers ample power for accelerating with a load or maintaining highway speeds. The Allison transmission is programmed for smooth, deliberate shifts, prioritizing stability and control when towing. Compared to the gasoline-powered Silverado variants, the Duramax diesel provides significantly more low-end torque, making it ideal for hauling heavy trailers or navigating challenging terrain. The automatic transmission, while convenient, does result in a slight performance deficit compared to the available manual transmission options, which offer more direct control over gear selection. However, the automatic’s ease of use is a major draw for many buyers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab Standard 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 High Country, added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and advanced safety technologies. The Standard Box length provided a practical cargo bed size for most hauling needs, balancing cargo capacity with overall vehicle length. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded wheels, and various towing packages.
Chassis & Braking
The K2XX platform chassis is built with high-strength steel, providing a robust foundation for heavy-duty use. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, offering a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. 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 even when heavily loaded. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard equipment. The rear axle featured a Single Rear Wheel (SRW) configuration, common for most heavy-duty applications.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD with the Duramax diesel and Allison automatic received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its powerful engine, comfortable ride, and impressive towing capacity. Compared to the gasoline-powered Silverado 3500 HD models, the diesel variant offered superior fuel economy when towing and a significantly higher payload capacity. However, the diesel engine carried a substantial price premium. Compared to competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 3500, the Silverado 3500 HD was often seen as offering a good balance of capability, comfort, and value.
Legacy
The Duramax LML engine paired with the Allison automatic transmission has proven to be a remarkably reliable powertrain. Properly maintained, these engines can easily exceed 200,000 miles. On the used car market, these Silverado 3500 HD variants command a premium price due to their proven durability and capability. They remain popular choices for buyers seeking a heavy-duty truck for work or recreational purposes. The K2XX platform’s robust construction and the Duramax/Allison combination continue to make these trucks a viable option for those needing a dependable and powerful workhorse.
