2003 2500 HD Observations

KyleBst264 · March 10, 2004

I'm posting this for those who are in a decision phase of getting a new/old truck. Here are my opinions and observations after having my '03 Chev. 2500 HD, Ext. Cab Lt, 8 foot bed, Duramax Diesel/ Allison Transmission.

-Fuel mileage is better than my old '98 1500 w/ vortec 5.7

- The wait to start light is on for 1 or 2 seconds when it does come on.

- Allison Transmission takes slight getting used to if you like to coast to stops and corners.

-Very comfortable.

-Heated seats will burn your azz.

-Takes longer to warm up, which is normal for diesel.

-Have to drive about 5-8 miles before trans temp gauge even thinks about moving.

-Towed 7,000 lbs like it was, literally, not there. My old 1500 struggled badly with this trailer. Note: this trailer is also 8 3/5 feet high and the nose is flat. Also, going down very steep hills, the truck would actually slow down/ maintain speed all the way down the hill.

- Torque: I notice the rear suspension unloads slightly after I take my foot off the brake when I'm stopped.

- The Duramax sounds pretty sick at wide open throttle. I'm still not used to a 3500 RPM redline.

- Ride quality is extremely good for a heavy duty truck.

- With the radio playing softly, you can't even hear the diesel.

- Drive thru clerks don't even ask me to shut the engine off.

-Duramax diesel can't be heard while running next a a Ford diesel.

-I sneak into the house at 1am and not wake anyone up.

Over all, I'm very pleased to say I made a decision that I would never regret when I bought this truck. If there is anyone that still in debate over which heavy duty truck to buy, go down to a chevy dealer and take a Silverado out for a test drive, it is trult a driving experience.