Available in 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) layouts, the Silverado 3500 is based on the GMT800 platform. It is available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab versions, and five models: the WT, 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. All trims are equipped with an 8-foot cargo box.

The Silverado 3500 comes with a basic warranty for three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for five years or 100,000 miles. It competes with the likes of Ford F-Series, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.

However, the option of a Vortec 8.1-liter V8 engine is also available on all trims. This 8.1L V8 generates 330 horsepower @ 4,200 rpm and 450 lb-ft. of torque @ 3,200 rpm. All trims are also available with the option of a Duramax Diesel 6.6-liter V8 Turbo engine, which requires Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission, and churns out 360 horsepower @ 3,000 rpm and 650 lb-ft. of torque @ 1,600 rpm.

The WT, 1LS, and 1LT are mated to a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission, which requires Vortec 6.0L engine. The 2LT and 3LT are linked to a standard heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, which is optional on the other trims. All trims are also available with the option of Allison 1000 Series 6-speed automatic transmission, which requires either a Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 engine or a Vortec 8.1L V8 engine.

The Silverado 3500’s front fascia is adorned by chrome bumpers, a large, gold Chevy bowtie badge set against a wide, three-bar chrome grille and Daytime Running Lamps with Automatic Exterior Lamp Control. Halogen fog-lamps are standard on 2LT and 3LT, and optional on 1LT.

All trims also come with two-sided galvanized-steel body panels. The 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT come standard with body-color side moldings. However, the 1LS is available with the option of black body side moldings. Prominent wheel flares further accentuate the sturdy looks of the Silverado 3500.

All Extended Cab models come standard with a rear side door with swing-out windows, while all Crew Cab models come with a rear side, full-size door. A pickup box, which includes bulk-head dividers, two-tier loading, stake pockets, and four tie-down brackets, is standard on all trims. Front recovery hooks are also a standard feature of all trims.

Various trims of the Silverado 3500 wear either 16-inch styled-steel wheels or 16-inch painted steel wheels. A wide choice of tires is available on all trims. This includes LT265/75R16E on-/off-road Blackwall tires, LT215/85R16D all-season Blackwall tires, LT215/85R16E all-season Bblackwall tires, and LT215/85R16E on-/off-road Blackwall tires.

The WT comes standard with 40/20/40 vinyl split-bench front seat with recliners, which is optional on 1LS. The WT as well as 1LS are also available with the option of 40/20/40 cloth split-bench front seat with recliners. The 1LS, 1LT, and 2LT feature standard custom cloth-trimmed 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with recliners and fold-down center armrest with storage. The 2LT comes with reclining front bucket seats with custom cloth or custom leather seating surfaces and six-way power adjustment for the driver seat. These seats also include extended floor console. The 3LT comes standard with reclining heated front bucket seats with custom leather seating surfaces, 10-way power, two-position driver-side memory, power recline, back bolster, extended floor console, and overhead console with map lights.

The 1LS and 1LT come standard with dual-zone climate control, which is optional on the WT models. The 2LT and 3LT boast of dual-zone automatic climate control, which is optional on the 1LT. However, dual-zone automatic climate control is not available on Regular Cab models.

Power door locks are standard on the LT models and optional on 1LS. All LT models also feature power windows with driver-side and passenger-side Express-Down feature.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on all LT models, while a tilt-adjustable steering column is present in all trims of the Silverado 3500. The 2LT and 3LT come standard with steering wheel-mounted controls, which are available as optional on the 1LT.

The 2LT and 3LT come standard with a center console, while the LT models offer the benefit of a mini overhead console, which includes map lights.

Instrumentation includes full gauges with tachometer, trip odometer and oil pressure. All trims also feature a standard Driver Information Center (DIC), which monitors and reports on numerous vehicle functions such as low fuel, engine coolant, and oil pressure.

The WT and 1LS come with a manual day/night rear-view mirror, while the LT models feature a standard auto-dimming rear-view mirror with eight-point compass and outside temperature display. All trims come with solar-ray tinted glass to protect the passengers from sun, heat, and harmful UV rays.

An electric defogger on the rear-window is standard on 1LS and all LT models. Dual 12-volt power outlets are a standard feature of all trims of the Silverado 3500. The 2LT and 3LT are available with the option of a power-sliding sun-roof with vent feature; it also includes retractable mesh shade on Extended and Crew Cab models. A sliding rear window is optional on all trims. The Silverado 3500 can handle a maximum payload of 5,347 pounds.

For entertainment while cruising, the WT features a standard AM/FM stereo, while the 1LS, 1LT, and 2LT come standard with an AM/FM stereo with CD player, which also includes seek-and-scan, auto-tone control, speed-compensated volume, and Radio Data System (RDS). The 3LT comes with an AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-disc CD changer and Bose speaker system, which includes seek-and-scan, auto-tone control, speed-compensated volume, and RDS. This audio system is optional on 1LT and 2LT. All LT models are also available with the option of XM Satellite Radio, which offers various channels of commercial-free music, news, sports, talk, comedy, traffic, weather, and more. Rear audio controls are standard on the Crew Cab models of the 2LT and 3LT trims. A DVD Entertainment System, including a DVD player, flip-down seven-inch color monitor, two wireless headphones, and remote control unit is optional on the Crew Cab trims of 2LT and 3LT.

Riding on a Z85 Handling/Trailering suspension, the Silverado 3500 absorbs the impact of bad and bumpy roads and offers an extremely smooth ride.

All Silverado Classic models are equipped with standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Dynamic Rear Proportioning, which regulates front and rear brake pressure to optimize performance under varying load conditions.

All Single-Rear-Wheel models are available with the option of an automatic locking rear differential. It enhances traction at lower speeds on snow, mud, and ice. If one of the rear wheels has traction while the other does not, the locking rear axle automatically directs power to the wheel with grip to maneuver the vehicle.

The 2WD and 4WD models come with a ground clearance of 9.1 and 10.6 inches respectively. Such a high ground clearance allows the Silverado 3500 to take on bumpy roads with élan and ease. With all these mechanical features, the Silverado 3500 offers a responsive steering, a smooth ride, and firm handling.

The Silverado 3500 is equipped with ample safety features for its occupants’ protection. It comes standard with airbags, safety belts, a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for child safety seats, a PASSlock II theft-deterrent system, and an anti-lock brake system (ABS). The LT models also feature Remote Keyless Entry including content theft alarm.