First Drive Review
We've run no shortage of coverage of GM's excellent all-new, full-size 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and 2007 GMC Sierra pickups. Until now, though, we've only been able to test the light-duty models, a.k.a. the 1500 series. Now, just four months after the launch of the "civilian" versions, we got a chance to take a twirl in the beefier 2500 and 3500 models that make up the mobile muscle of any given municipal economy, hauling everything from farm equipment to construction materials and in the process heaving some desperately needed cash into GM's bank account. Thus, any change to these behind-the-scenes heavy hitters represents big news to a lot of people.
And in this case, it's good news. The myriad advancements in interior and exterior design that we've praised in the 2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups have all made it into the new HD versions. The HDs, however, have been beefed up with even sturdier frames, more robust suspensions, and more powerful engines than their light-duty counterparts, or even their 2006-model HD predecessors, for that matter. In other words, they're the strongest and most modern pickups in GM's history.
They're also meatier-looking. Both offer bigger grilles, unique bumpers, and taller hoods compared with the light-duty models. As for any significant differentiation between the GMC and Chevrolet versions, well, you're looking at 'em: only exterior styling and an interior trim piece or two. That's it.
Numerous Configurations
To appease full-size-truck buyers—particularly those in the HD market—it is crucial to offer as diverse an array of configurations as there are uses for each. Consequently, GM offers its HDs with three cab lengths: standard; extended with two rear-hinged, 170-degree-opening rear doors with windows that roll all the way down; and a conventional crew cab with front-hinged doors and a rear cabin that rivals the second row of a Suburban. As with last year's HDs, there are two box lengths, including an eight-foot-long box offered in a single-rear-wheel or dualie design. The 2500 and 3500 models are both offered with a choice of gas or diesel engines and rear- or four-wheel drive. All are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. One can mix and match as necessary.
Sturdier Mechanicals
Going from regular strength to extra strength—make that ½-ton/1500 to ¾-ton/2500 or one-ton/3500 in pickup terms—starts with some minor frame changes and includes a wider track, bigger brakes with standard ABS, and a new steering box for the recirculating-ball system. Two suspension packages consist of the base Z85 suspension and, for the first time on HD models, a specifically tuned Z71 Off-Road package on four-wheel-drive models. And in case you're wondering, the difference between 2500 and 3500 models involves a sturdier rear suspension with an added leaf in the rear springs. The rear track is some 8.7 inches wider on 3500 models. Rear-axle ratios are either 3.73 or 4.10, each offered across the powertrain range.
