Chevrolet's heavy-duty Silverado models continue to be
the segment's most powerful array of pickup trucks. These
pickups are at home at construction sites, in warehouses
and on farms, or anywhere else where towing power and rugged
strength are needed.
The Chevy Silverado adds a four-wheel-drive 1-ton 3500
model rated at 9,900 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). It is available in regular, extended or crew cab
as well as in a driver-friendly single-rear-wheel (SRW)
configuration.
Available Models
The 2004 Chevy Silverado HD lineup consists of ¾-ton
2500 HD models and 1-ton 3500 monsters in three trims: base,
LS and LT. 1500 models and 2500 models are covered in individual
reviews.
Interior Features
Regular cabs have two doors and seat two or three. Extended
cabs have rear-hinged back doors; crew cabs have four full
doors. Both have a rear bench seat that accommodates three
more people.
2004 Chevy Silverado HD models have a standard dual-zone
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
It is available with both manual and automatic climate control,
allowing the driver and front passenger to adjust the temperature
to their own comfort levels-as much as a 30-degree Fahrenheit
difference between the two front zones.
The OnStar system is available on Silverado 2500 HD and
3500 models. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite
network and wireless technology, OnStar services include
automatic notification of airbag deployment, stolen vehicle
location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch,
roadside assistance, remote diagnostics and more.
Exterior Features
3500s come only with an eight-foot cargo box, while 2500s
offer a 6.5-foot box as well. All 3500s have dual rear wheels
on each side.
Performance
Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations are
available across the Silverado HD lineup. The standard engine
on all models is a 6.0-liter Vortec V8, capable of 300 horsepower
at 4400 rpm and 360 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
Though 5-speed manual transmission is standard, there are
three other transmission types offered. 4-speed automatic,
5-speed heavy-duty automatic and 6-speed manual are provided
to give the Silverado the type of power it needs to fit
customer needs.
Two additional engines are optional for 2004. One is an
8.1-liter V8 with 340 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 455 lb-ft
of torque at 3200 rpm, the other is a tough 6.6-liter Duramax
turbodiesel V8 with 300 horsepower at 3100 rpm and 520 lb-ft
of torque at 1800 rpm.
Safety and Security
The same features that make for good hauling ability-tough
frames and advanced suspension components-also double as
added security. Other standard safety equipment includes
dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and daytime
running lights.
New for the 2004 Chevy Silverado
HD
New
4WD single-rear-wheel (SRW) 3500 Series one-ton rated
at 9,900 lbs. (4,455 kg) GVWR, available in Regular,
Extended or Crew Cab and in long box or Chassis Cab
(mid-year introduction)
Three
new exterior colors: Sandstone Metallic, Silver Birch
and Sport Red Metallic (replaces Pewter Metallic and
Dark Carmine Red Metallic)
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