Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Model Years and History

Becoming the top pickup truck in the Chevrolet line for 2001, the Silverado 3500 provided maximized capabilities for towing and hauling. Classified as a one-ton truck, the 2001 Silverado 3500 was constructed on a sturdy hydroformed frame designed to be lightweight and durable for work site duties. Regular, extended and crew cab body styles were offered with the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 for 2001 operating using a dual rear wheel (dually) configuration. A single rear wheel version of the Silverado 3500 would not be available until the 2004 model year.

 

An 8.1-foot long cargo box has been attached to all 2001 Silverado 3500 pickup trucks. For 2001, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 came with a standard 300-horsepower 6.0-liter Vortec V-8 engine mated with either a manual or an automatic transmission. Optional powerplants for the one-ton Chevrolet truck included a 340-horsepower 8.1-liter gasoline engine and a 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V-8. Buyers were offered the choice between a rear-wheel and a four-wheel drivetrain. For 2003, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is treated to a mid-cycle redesign resulting in a bolder looking front end and new body-side protective moldings.

 

Equipped with either the 8.1-liter V-8 gasoline engine or a completely remodeled 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel Duramax powerplant, the maximum towing ability of the 2003 Silverado 3500 was rated at 12,000 pounds. The Duramax diesel was again enhanced in 2006 boasting 360 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Capable of accommodating up to six passengers, the cabin of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 comes standard with a pair of 12-volt power outlets and is available with air conditioning, cruise control as well as keyless entry. In 2007, the one-ton Chevrolet pickup truck was officially attached to the heavy-duty with the introduction of the Silverado 3500HD.