Chevy Silverado Pickup

GM introduced a new frame and suspension that would boost the Chevy Silverado heavy-duty pickups and GMC Sierra HDs to the top of Class 2 for payload and conventional-hitch towing capacity. Cast independent front suspension components replaced stamped and formed control arms, raising the front-axle weight rating 25 percent to more than 6,000 pounds. Now all cab configurations of four-wheel-drive GM heavies can handle a snow plow. A boxed-steel frame; 3-inch, asymmetrical rear leaf springs; and a new frame-mounted, box-tube rear hitch increase conventional towing capacity 23 percent to 16,000 pounds (nearly as much as the 3500HD’s fifth-wheel towing capacity).