Segment:
Full-size heavy-duty pickup truck
Target Audience:
Buyers requiring robust towing, hauling, and work capabilities; commercial users and truck enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350), Ram Heavy Duty (2500, 3500).
Platform Strength:
Built on the robust GMT900 platform, known for its truck capabilities.
Heavy Duty Design:
Reinforced frame, upgraded suspension, higher capacity axles, and braking systems designed for substantial loads.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation, drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, gauges, infotainment system, power accessories, fuses and relays.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, seating adjustments, interior features, exterior features, cargo management, towing preparation.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, stability control, theft-deterrent system.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping up fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic inspections.
Operations:
Starting and operating the vehicle, shifting gears, using climate controls, operating lights and wipers, proper towing procedures, fuel recommendations.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic steps for common issues (e.g., jump starting).
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, safety, and user-level information. Does not cover detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair.
File Type:
Physical printed document
Print Quality:
Original factory printing, high-quality paper and ink
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound paperback
Paper Type:
Durable, semi-gloss paper stock
Engine Option 1:
6.0L Vortec V8 (LQ4/LQ7 - Iron Block)
Displacement Engine 1:
5967 cc (364 cu in)
Horsepower Engine 1:
Approx. 300-325 hp (depending on specific variant)
Torque Engine 1:
Approx. 350-370 lb-ft (depending on specific variant)
Engine Option 2:
6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 (LLY/LBZ/LMM)
Displacement Engine 2:
6599 cc (402.8 cu in)
Horsepower Engine 2:
Approx. 360-397 hp (depending on specific LMM variant)
Torque Engine 2:
Approx. 715-760 lb-ft (depending on specific LMM variant)
Fuel Type Gas:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel Fuel
Injection Gas:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SPFI)
Injection Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)
Transmission Gas:
6-Speed Allison 1000 automatic (for Duramax Diesel)
Transmission Diesel:
6-Speed Allison 1000 automatic (standard on most 3500 models with Duramax)
Transmission Gas Option:
Possibly a 4-speed 4L70-E automatic for some gasoline variants (less common on 3500 HD)
Allison Features:
Heavy-duty design, manual mode (Tap-Up/Tap-Down), tow/haul mode.
Wheelbase Std:
Approx. 133.9 inches (Regular Cab, Short Bed), 143.5 inches (Extended Cab/Crew Cab, Short Bed), 153.7 inches (Regular Cab, Long Bed), 167.7 inches (Extended Cab/Crew Cab, Long Bed)
Bed Length Std:
Approx. 6.5 feet (short box), 8.0 feet (long box)
Gvwr:
Up to 11,000 - 12,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gcwr:
Up to 22,000 - 24,000 lbs (depending on configuration and drivetrain)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically 6,000 - 7,500 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star (for 2009 model year Silverado 1500/2500HD, likely similar for 3500HD)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star (for 2009 model year Silverado 1500/2500HD, likely similar for 3500HD)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2009 model year Silverado 1500/2500HD, likely similar for 3500HD)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
TCS:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Esc:
Standard StabiliTrak Stability Control System (often includes Trailer Sway Control)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger. Side curtain airbags may be optional depending on cab configuration.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front and rear seating positions.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may offer Bose premium audio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity on some trim levels or as an option.
Oil Change Gas:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific conditions and oil type).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, with specific recommendations for severe use (refer to manual).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 45,000 miles, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Coolant Flush Gas:
Initial change at 5 years/150,000 miles, then every 5 years/150,000 miles thereafter (for Dex-Cool).
Coolant Flush Diesel:
Refer to manual for specific coolant and interval (often different from gasoline models).
Engine Oil Gas:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended, API certified)
Engine Oil Diesel:
SAE 5W-40 (API CJ-4 or CK-4, full synthetic recommended for Duramax)
Coolant:
GM specified Dex-Cool (orange) for gasoline models, specific coolant for Duramax diesel.
Transmission Fluid Allison:
Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid
Duramax Diesel Common:
Early versions of the Duramax (pre-LMM) could have injector or EGR issues. LMM (as likely in 2009) improved but can still experience EGR cooler failures and DPF regeneration issues if not driven properly.
Gasoline Engine Common:
The 6.0L Vortec is generally robust but can experience intake manifold gasket leaks or minor cooling system issues over time.
Rear Axle Pinion Seal:
Occasional reports of rear axle pinion seal leaks on HD models.
Chevrolet Trucks:
Chevrolet has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the 1910s, establishing a reputation for durability and utility.
Silverado Hd Lineage:
The Silverado 3500 is part of Chevrolet's Heavy Duty lineup, evolving from previous generations of C/K trucks and the Silverado HD series, focusing on increased towing and payload capacities.
Platform Generation:
The 2009 model year falls within the second generation of the GMT900 platform (2007-2013), which introduced significant styling and chassis enhancements over the previous GMT800 platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.