What Changed for 2008:

• XM satellite radio (three months free)


• Restyled gauges


• Optional power driver seat (Regular Cab HD models)


• Two new exterior red paint colors


• Big Dooley dual-rear-wheel (DRW) 3500HD models get 17-inch wheels


• Beefed up to haul more payload

Overview
While basically unchanged from their 2007 redesign, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD (heavy-duty) 2500/3500 models return with some minor updates. Built to handle more of a workload than conventional (light-duty) Silverado pickups, when properly equipped, these heavy-duty full-size pickups can tow up to 12,900 pounds with a V-8 gasoline engine or 15,800 pounds with a diesel V-8 engine in 2500HD, and a maximum of 12,500 pounds (V-8 gas engine) or 16,500 pounds (with a diesel V-8 engine) in 3500HD.

Model Lineup
Consumers can choose a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD in three-quarter-ton (2500HD) or 1-ton (3500HD) rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD); two pickup bed box lengths (6-ft. 5-in. or 8-ft.), and four trims: Work Truck (WT), 1LT, 2LT or LTZ. The 2500HD WT includes a driver information center; AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player and auxiliary MP3 input jack; 40/20/40-split bench vinyl front seat and full-width rear bench (Extended and Crew Cab); dual glove boxes; two auxiliary power outlets; and 16-inch painted steel wheels. The 3500HD is outfitted the same but with 16-inch steel wheels on the single-rear-wheel (SRW) model, or 17-inch painted steel wheels on the Big Dooley.

The 2500HD in 1LT trim adds cloth seats; center armrest and lockable underseat storage with power outlet; power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; auto-dimming outside rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature; 16-inch chrome-styled steel wheels; black, foldaway, power, heated side-view mirrors; and a spare tire lock. The 3500HD SRW has 16-inch steel wheels, while the Big Dooley gets 17-inch steel wheels with chrome overlay. The 2LT 2500HD has reclining premium cloth front bucket seats with 6-way power and manual lumbar controls; 60/40-split bench rear seats (Extended and Crew Cab); dual-zone automatic temperature controls; steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; fog lamps; and 16-inch polished aluminum wheels. In the 3500HD SRW, there are 16-inch chrome clad steel wheels, and 17-inch steel wheels with chrome overlay on the Big Dooley.

The 2500HD in LTZ trim includes heavy-duty trailering equipment; automatic-locking rear differential; reclining, heated, custom leather front bucket seats and 60/40-split bench rear; Bose sound system; remote vehicle starting; outside-body-color, power-folding and adjustable heated mirrors; heated windshield washer fluid system; and 17-inch bright machined aluminum wheels.

Options include an integrated trailer brake controller; convenience package (on 1LT/2LT for 2500HD) with remote vehicle starting; power-adjustable, folding, heated side-view mirrors and heated windshield washer fluid system; cargo management system; EZ-lift tailgate package; trailering mirrors; front recovery hooks; skid plate package; and heavy-duty trailering package.

Powertrain
A 6.0-liter V-8 engine is standard on all 2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD models. The engine produces 353 hp at 5400 rpm in the 2500HD and 312 hp at 4400 rpm in the 3500HD; torque is 373 lb.-ft. at 4400 rpm. An optional Duramax, 6.6-liter, turbo-diesel V-8 engine blasts out 365 hp at 3200 rpm and 660 lb.-ft. of torque at 1600 rpm. The Duramax engine has B5 biodiesel capability. A 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the 6.0-liter V-8 engine, while a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 6.6-liter diesel V-8 engine. EPA fuel economy estimates are not available for the 2500HD/3500HD due to the fact that current fuel economy regulations do not apply to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) higher than 8500 pounds.

Safety
The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500HD/3500HD) includes standard dual front air bags; safety belt pre-tensioners; anti-lock brakes; driver information center; tire-pressure monitor; and one year of OnStar Safe & Sound plan. The Silverado 2500HD/3500HD models have not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for crash or rollover protection.

Technology
An AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible player, auxiliary MP3 input jack, theft-deterrent system, and radio data system is standard on the 2008 Silverado 2500HD WT. Other available systems (depending on model and configuration) include an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer and Bose system; AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD/DVD player; Bose speaker system with subwoofer in the center console; and a touch-screen navigation radio, with or without DVD player. Rear audio controls with two headphone jacks, a power outlet, and controls for station selection, volume and media are also available on some models.