2005 Chevrolet Silverado HD | Review | Buying Guide
Up in the heavy-duty class, you’ll find big, burly pickup trucks whose sole intention is to work and play hard. With the Silverado, you get a full-size pickup with an abundance of power, plenty of low-end torque and a durable construction that can withstand years of battering.
The standard Silverado HD lineup consists of ¾-ton 2500 HD models and 1-ton 3500 models. 2500 HDs and 3500s come in a choice of regular cab, extended cab with rear-hinged back half-doors and a crew cab with four full-size front-hinged doors. 3500s come only with an eight-foot cargo box; 2500s offer a 6.5-foot box as well.
However, flying somewhat under the radar is the Silverado 1500 HD. It comes in a crew cab body style with a heavy-duty engine perfect for the rough stuff.
Under the Hood
Standard for all 2005 HD models is a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine. It will operate with 300 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 360 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Not surprising to anyone, both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations are available.
5-speed manual transmission is standard, though there are other options. 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual are all available.
Two optional engines are also offered. The first is an 8.1-liter Vortec V8 with 340 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 455 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. The second is a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 300 horsepower at 3100 rpm and 520 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm.
2500HD models can boast a payload of as much of 3,964 pounds. 3500 models can do even better, with a payload of up to 5,753 pounds. In addition, the 2005 model Silverados feature an all-electric cooling system (compared to fan and fan clutch on 2004 models). The all-electric cooling system consists of two 200-watt electric fan packages and an improved dissipation radiator for better fuel economy.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
For added traction control and gripping, often needed when hauling heavy loads, 3500 models are equipped with standard dual back wheels. These dualies are just one telling reminder that the Silverado HD means business.
Air conditioning, chrome front bumpers, tinted glass, power steering with tilt-adjustable column, a full-size spare tire and heavy-duty battery also are standard on all Silverado models.
|
