2022 Silverado Refresh To Get More Robust Rear Suspension
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General Motors has a significant refresh planned for the 2022 Silverado, highlighted by revisions to the exterior styling plus a new interior. Additionally, it appears as though the refreshed 2022 Silverado will also feature a beefier rear suspension setup.
2022 Chevy Silverado prototype pictured here.
For the moment, all fourth-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickups (2019 through 2021 model years) come equipped with a leaf spring configuration with two leaves (elliptical springs) on the rear axle, even when adding in the Max Towing Package (RPO code NHT).
However, as we just noticed from recent spy photos, some 2022 Silverado 1500 prototypes are equipped with four-leaf rear suspension, suggesting that the upcoming refresh will offer a more robust, heavy-duty suspension system.
2022 Chevy Silverado prototype pictured here.
The suspension update with the upcoming 2022 Silverado refresh could point to greater towing and payload ratings for the pickup. As it stands, the 2019 through 2021 Silverado 1500 lags behind the 2021 Ford F-150 when it comes to max payload ratings, maxing out at 2,280 pounds as compared to the Ford’s max of 3,325 pounds. Meanwhile the Silverado is competitive in towing, with a max of 13,300 pounds, but isn’t class-leading. By comparison, the Ford F-150 is rated at 14,100 pounds with regard to max towing.
| Regular Cab | Double Cab | Crew Cab | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Silverado 1500 (lbs. / kg) | 2,280 / 1,034 | 2,180 / 989 | 2,180 / 989 |
| 2021 Sierra 1500 (lbs. / kg) | 2,250 / 1,021 | 2,170 / 984 | 2,140 / 971 |
| 2021 F-150 (lbs. / kg) | 3,325 / 1,513 | 3,010 / 1,365 | 2,900 / 1,315 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 (lbs. / kg) | - | 2,300 / 1,043 | 2,000 / 907 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 Classic (lbs. / kg) | 1,900 / 862 | 1,920 / 871 | 1,870 / 848 |
| 2021 Titan (lbs. / kg) | - | - | 1,650 / 748 |
| 2021 Tundra (lbs. / kg) | - | 1,730 / 785 | 1,660 / 753 |
| Regular Cab | Double Cab | Crew Cab | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Silverado 1500 (lbs. / kg) | 10,000 / 4,354 | 13,300 / 5,488 | 11,900 / 5,397 |
| 2021 Sierra 1500 (lbs. / kg) | 9,900 / 4,491 | 11,200 / 5,080 | 11,800 / 5,352 |
| 2021 F-150 (lbs. / kg) | 13,100 / 5,942 | 14,100 / 6,396 | 14,000 / 6,350 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 (lbs. / kg) | - | 12,750 / 5,783 | 11,540 / 5,234 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 Classic (lbs. / kg) | 10,450 / 4,740 | 10,680 / 4,484 | 10,460 / 4,745 |
| 2021 Titan (lbs. / kg) | - | - | 9,310 / 4,223 |
| 2021 Tundra (lbs. / kg) | - | 10,200 / 4,627 | 10,100 / 4,581 |
There’s another wrinkle to this, as well. The T1-platform Silverado has been criticized by some as having a harsher ride than it should, especially when compared to rival products from Ford and Ram. As such, a new rear suspension setup could potentially address this perceived shortcoming.
2022 Chevy Silverado prototype pictured here.
With all that in mind, it’s possible General Motors will introduce a new heavy-duty payload package for the 2022 Silverado that will beef up the rear suspension. As it turns out, Ford offers exactly that with its Heavy-Duty Payload Package for the F-150, which includes a 3.73 electronic-locking rear axle, a 36-gallon fuel tank, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and of course, upgraded springs, among other bits and pieces.
For now, 2022 Silverado prototypes have been spotted with both two-leaf and four-leaf spring set-ups, the latter of which has been seen on 2022 Silverado Trailboss prototypes, as GM Authority has covered before. As such, it appears as though the four-leaf setup will not come as standard equipment across the line.
We’ll have more on the upcoming 2022 Silverado refresh posted soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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Return of the 1500HD
Doubt it, 1500HD was an 8 lug wheel, 8600lb GVWR, LT tire, rebadged 2500 series without the HD’s relative body to frame lift. These are 6 lug P Metric tires. Would need an LT D load range or higher rated tire to get an 8600lb or greater GVWR. Gm could just slap a 1500 badge on the side of a 3500HD to out payload claim f150.
The current Two leaf main with taper design is pretty expensive to manufacture. A four leaf main with constant thickness leaves is less expensive to manufacture, but weighs more meaning less payload for a given GVWR. More leaves do not necessarily imply more load capacity. A payload and or rear axle weight rating increase are possible, but I suspect there is more to this such as cost savings, supplier changes, curb mass increase to creep into another test weight class, lower center of gravity needed for braking standards, increased damping for ride/roll/power train control, etc. My experience from upfitter work with multiple OEMs is it is difficult to get the true engineering reasons and science for these type of changes, but easy to get a marketing response.
I commented on these rear spring changes a month or so ago and I can’t imagine 2 + 1 leaf springs being more expensive than 4+ 1. That makes no sense at all. More likely they’re spending a couple bucks more on the rear springs for a better ride, or that’s how they’re getting the 2″ lift on the Trail Boss instead of a 2″ block and the regular trucks will still be 2+1.
This is not a cost savings measure. It’s spending a couple more bucks and getting slightly better suspension.
And if they would do something about those antiquated low-hanging rear shocks to improve ground clearance.
Payload and towing increases are meaningless with the Geo Metro sized fuel tank.
I assume you mean the size of a Geo Metro, not the same size fuel tank? 😀
I sell GMCs. I agree that the fuel tank on the 1500s is too small, and it is a source of constant frustration that they don’t even offer a larger variant. I realize you’re hyperbolizing, but while they are the smallest in the half ton market, the tanks are more than double the capacity of a Geo Metro’s. But then larger capacity means lower average fuel economy, so it’s actually a benefit for those customers who prioritize fuel economy over distance between fill-ups. I just wish they gave us two options, including the ability to upgrade after it has already been built.
they need a dual tank option like they had before. one of my older chevy PU had dual 22 gallon tanks
I’m hoping they do something I ended up putting air bags on my 2020lt my 6000lb bumper pull completely bottomed it out. I haven’t had any issues with anything else really like the truck. The baby duramax has been awesome
a 6000lb camper should have a tongue weight of 600-900lbs. No way even 900lbs bottomed out your truck. Sounds like you either don’t know how to load a trailer for proper weight distribution or don’t understand that payload is cumulative.
What I would like to see is an updated “base” tow rating. I see many of the newer trucks still are only rated to 9000 lbs, and to upgrade to the max tow package it adds on to the point of an HD costing less. I need a half ton for manuverbility reasons, but still am on a budget. It would be fantastic if they could increase the base towing so the basic V8 would pull in excess of 11,000 lbs and can still be bought with incentives
Max tow ratings are typically a function of power train cooling and brake capacity
Do some research on SAE J2807 for an education on how GVWR and trailer ratings are arrived at and you will realized there are many more significant performance metrics involved. GM, Ford, FCA all claim compliance with the J2807.
Goodwins, before throwing stones try reading what he said and understanding it. I took it as him saying the limitation is usually cooling and braking, not that that is the only aspect.
I not to big on the towing wars but I get why GM needs to have competitive towing capabilities. I don’t really care about a dash or bigger touchscreen. I think the truck needs better seats. Honestly the leather in the Ford and Ram is a lot better. Bringing the tailgate over from GMC is okay but to be honest I would rather have a generator like the Ford. I gotta admit, the generator in the Ford is the biggest game changer I have seen in years. Other than that I would love to see the GM trucks get panoramic roofs. But I don’t think that will happen until next generation if it happens at all.
For anyone thinking in liters, one U.S. gallon is the same as 3.7854 liters.
It’s interesting that your comment got downticks for stating a fact.
I’ve been putting air bags on all my half tons since my 94 dodge. Been running gm now since o3. All extended cab. Like being able to level when loading trailers. And the softening the ride when not needed. I just find lack of pulling power and not having the ability to select the gear I need so as not to lug or run at ridiculous rpm. With 6 gears the legs are to long. Haven’t had a chance to pull with an 8 or 10 trans.
More leaves does not mean increased capacity. Could be a more progressive set up. Higher end off road set ups utilize alot more than 4 leaves though thinner than stock. Could be gm sticking with but improving their half ton ride while other manufactures go to coil rears.
How about the UGLY front end?????????
I’m hoping they get rid of those weird DRLs and make it look like the front end from the new HD silverados.
Probably to fix the Chevy shake?
I predicted this month’s ago.
How about building a working man’s truck with an 8 ft bed and short extended cab?
They do. Just have to get a 2500/3500 from GM or go to Ford for a 1/2 ton ECLB.
Sam is right…….fix that ugly front end!
Midsize trucks are confusing for me. They are the same price as a full size, but less towing, same MPG, less room. I love the ZR2, but for the money, I can get a full size for the same price, that is more capable for 90% use.
the parts may be smaller but there is just as many in a mid size as a full size so cost to build is close to the same. making some of these parts off shore help cut the cost.
I thought the same thing till I bought a canyon and like the size way better for driving in town and it will tow whatever I need. I found my full-size just too big and the mileage is better.
my grandson has a colorado and i have a silverado and when he wants to haul or pull something big or heavy he comes and gets my silverado