Build My Own Chevrolet Silverado 2500 - Jerry Chambers - Serving Burlington, Mt Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, Everett, Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, BC.

Redesigned for 2011, the Silverado heavy-duty lineup is broader than ever, with 10 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models – including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered, and popular features such as the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control.

A completely redesigned independent front suspension system offers up to a 25-percent greater front axle weight rating – up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) – enabling a snow plow to be used on all 4WD cab configurations with the available snow plow prep package, while also supporting improved ride and handling characteristics.

Silverado’s signature short-long arm/torsion bar front suspension design is retained, but now features new, forged steel upper control arms that are stronger and lighter than their predecessors. The new lower control arms are made of precision-machined cast iron to handle the greater loads. Five different torsion bar rates support five different front gross axle weight ratings (a single torsion bar was previously used for all models). This helps stabilize the range of trim heights of various models under load, while enhancing appearance, handling, durability, tire wear and alignment. The trim height is adjusted on each bar via a single bolt, easily allowing the height to be changed to account for the weight of a snow plow or other accessories.

The Silverado HD front suspension now uses a pair of urethane jounce bumpers on each side, instead of one, for improved load management; and there’s a new upper shock mount attachment design that’s positively connected to the frame with two fasteners. This design eliminates squeaks and clunks, while supporting higher load capability and increased durability.

Compared to competitors’ beam-axle front suspension, the Silverado’s independent front suspension provides a better ride, more accurate trim height control (with fewer parts) and greater flexibility to adjust the alignment for weight and tire sensitivity.

Supporting the new 2011 Silverado HD trucks’ greater capabilities is a new version of the workhorse Duramax 6.6L diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission powertrain combination. The Duramax 6.6L is more powerful and durable and the Allison 1000 is stronger and helps enable new features, including the exhaust brake system.

The Duramax 6.6L’s new and improved features include:

• 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm
• NOx emissions reduced at least 63 percent over 2010 models
• Quieter operation
• High-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and reduced emissions
• Exhaust brake system that enables controlled vehicle slowdown on downhill grades without actuating the brakes
• Selective catalytic reduction after-treatment system using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection to provide the best overall diesel characteristics and performance – with a range of about 5,000 miles (8,000 km) between DEF refills
• Combustion and after-treatment have been optimized to provide about 700 miles (1,125 km) between diesel particulate filter regenerations – a 75-percent improvement over the previous system and significant contributor to improved fuel efficiency, as the regeneration process requires additional fuel
• B20 biodiesel capability for an alternative fueling option
• Internal revisions that improve durability.

With nearly 1.3 million Duramax 6.6L engines produced since 2000, they have proven exceptionally durable and dependable. The internal elements that helped build its reputation are enhanced for 2011, including:

• Main bearings’ profiles changed to enhance oil film thickness
• Oil pump flow increased for increased pressure at low speeds
• The turbocharger’s oil circuit is changed to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery
• The connecting rods’ pin ends are modified to provide increased piston support
• New, higher-strength piston design that eliminates bushings to provide lower reciprocating weight
• An EGR cooler bypass reduces high-mileage soot deposits in the cooler and EGR circuit.

The enhanced Allison 1000 for 2011 is strengthened to handle the higher torque capability of the new 6.6L Duramax engine, while also helping improve fuel economy and providing seamless assistance with a new exhaust brake system. Greater efficiency is delivered through reduced “spin loss” – meaning, the transmission channels more of the engine’s power to the axles, allowing it to do more with less fuel.

The Allison 1000 also features driver shift control with tap up/tap down shifting and a patented elevated idle mode cab warm-up feature. Also, the tow/haul mode reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. The six-speed configuration retains its two overdrive gears for optimal efficiency.

Performance with the Duramax/Allison combination is also improved over previous models, with preliminary testing showing 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds and quarter-mile times of less than 16 seconds in 2500HD models. That’s about 0.3-second and 0.5-second quicker, respectively, than previous models.

Genuine Chevrolet Silverado 2500 parts and accessories, Authorized Chevrolet Silverado 2500 service Bellingham car repair and vehicle maintenance.