The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD III (K2XX) Crew Cab Standard Box, equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 445 horsepower and paired with a 4WD SRW Automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration in Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck lineage. Produced from 2017 to 2019, this variant occupied a premium position within the Silverado 3500 HD lineup, targeting buyers requiring substantial towing and hauling capabilities alongside a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. It was part of the third generation of the K2XX platform, known for its increased 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 (445 Hp) 4WD SRW Automatic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 130 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.8 kg/Nm, 360.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 445 Hp @ 2800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 1234 Nm @ 1600 rpm (910.15 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Duramax L5P |
| Engine displacement | 6604 cm3 (403 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 | 29.7 l (31.38 US qt | 26.13 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3424 kg (7548.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 5216 kg (11499.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1792 kg (3950.68 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.) |
| 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, 360 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 L5P 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 engine. This engine represents a significant evolution of the Duramax design, incorporating features like a redesigned combustion chamber, improved fuel injection system, and a more robust block. The L5P utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides increased air intake, boosting power and torque output. The engine employs an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, a design choice favored for its durability and low-end torque characteristics. The Allison 1000 Series six-speed automatic transmission is specifically calibrated to handle the immense torque produced by the Duramax engine. This transmission features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency at highway speeds and heavy-duty internal components for reliability under demanding conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque delivered by this combination translate into impressive real-world performance. While not designed for outright speed, the Silverado 3500 HD excels at towing and hauling heavy loads. The Allison transmission provides smooth and predictable shifts, although it may not be as quick-shifting as some newer transmissions. The automatic transmission, while convenient, does result in a slight reduction in fuel economy compared to the available manual transmission options. The gear ratios are optimized for pulling power, meaning acceleration from a standstill with no load can feel somewhat leisurely. However, once underway, the engine’s substantial torque reserve allows for effortless passing and confident hill climbs, even when towing a substantial trailer.
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 infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, such as the LTZ and High Country, added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and various towing packages. The interior design prioritized functionality and durability, with robust materials and a user-friendly layout.
Chassis & Braking
The K2XX platform provided a solid foundation for the Silverado 3500 HD. The front suspension utilizes an independent torsion bar setup with double wishbones, offering a comfortable ride and improved handling. 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. The rear axle featured a Single Rear Wheel (SRW) configuration, suitable for most heavy-duty applications.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine was consistently praised for its power, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Critics generally viewed the Silverado 3500 HD as a capable and well-rounded heavy-duty truck. Compared to the gasoline-powered variants, the Duramax diesel offered significantly more torque and better fuel economy when towing. Compared to the 6.0-liter gasoline V8, the Duramax provided a substantial performance advantage, albeit at a higher initial cost. The automatic transmission was generally well-received, although some drivers preferred the control offered by the manual transmission.
Legacy
The Duramax L5P engine has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable powertrain. Well-maintained examples of the 2017-2019 Silverado 3500 HD continue to command strong resale values in the used car market. The combination of robust construction, ample power, and a comfortable interior has made this variant a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and professionals alike. While modern heavy-duty trucks offer more advanced technology and features, the Silverado 3500 HD III with the Duramax diesel remains a capable and dependable workhorse.
