Last week, we brought you our very first sighting of a 2027 GMC Sierra / Chevy Silverado prototype as it underwent testing. The shots show a heavily-camouflaged truck, so much so, in fact, that we don’t fully know if it’s a Silverado or a Sierra. Regardless, one of the photos shows a part of the rear suspension, making us wonder whether the next-generation trucks will feature outboard frame-mounted shocks.
Taking a gander at the prototype and comparing it to the current model seems to reveals a set of leaf springs (seen in the side profile shot), plus two more observations: the shock seems to be closer to the wheel than it is on the current-gen trucks, and the bottom bolt that secures the shock seems to be facing away from the wheel; on the current current Sierra and Silverado, the same bolt faces toward the wheel.
These changes could indicate that the location of the shock itself has changed to an outboard mount.
Next-gen 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 / Chevy Silverado 1500 Prototype
Current 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
Mounting the rear shocks on the outside of a truck’s frame (and leaf springs) provides several benefits over an inboard-mounted setup found on the current trucks. For starters, an outboard-mounted setup makes it easier to deliver a wider track (the width between two wheels), enabling improved stability and handling, both on and off-road. Additionally, secondary benefits include a wider and more aggressive stance.
GM introduced outboard-mounted shocks on its most off-road-capable midsize pickup trucks – the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X – starting with the 2023 model year, giving both models impressive handling capabilities along with a wide stance. The rear shocks are placed inside the frame / leaf springs on all other trims and models within the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon families.
The GMC Canyon AT4X features outboard-mounted rear shocks, delivering impressive handling abilities and an aggressive stance
And though the 2027 GMC Sierra / 2027 Silverado prototype pictured here doesn’t appear to be particularly offroady, judging by its ride height and all-terrain tires, it does seem to have a wide stance (and one that’s more level, too).
As a reminder, GM’s next-generation full-size half-ton pickup trucks are planned for a 2027 model year debut, which GM Authority was first to exclusively report back in 2024. The pickups will ride on a massaged T1 platform, known as T1-2 and will feature new exteriors, interiors, next-gen Small Block V8 engines and new convenience features, among other updates and changes.
So what say you – does the 2027 GMC Sierra or 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 tester have outboard-mounted shocks, or not? Talk to us in the comments.
Comments
But does it retain leaf springs, or has it gone to coils?
Definitely leaf, as those shocks are pointed at an angle.
I don’t think these are true outboard (like F150) rather additional splaying. Current setup is actually inboard/outboard where the shocks attach to the inside of the frame, then are splayed out to attach to the axle outside of the frame. This gives almost as good rebound control as the F150, but superior lateral control (think loaded and hitting a sidewind). This shock appears to just be splayed even further to me, as opposed to a true outboard. Why? Cause it’s obviously at an aggressive angle. Ford’s shocks are rather directly mounted as there’s not a lot of room from the frame to the wheel well, but this has significant angles.
I really don’t want a coilover setup. Ram does it because they went full car on their trucks. A Multilink coil suspension is used to avoid “axle wrap.” Google the leafs on a F body Camaro. Those leafs look like bed slats their so thin. Their so thin that the axle would twist and warp under WOT, no good at all. Compare those to a truck leaf, and voila, those leafs aren’t going to wrap because they’re so darn stiff to handle the loads trucks use. Ram has moved to coilovers because they’ve turned their trucks into luxury barges that are loosing every payload and towing comparison. They don’t hold up to the same abuse, handle as good off road, or under load. So no, I don’t want coils, but a more progressive leaf with active body dampers that ram does employ would be nice, and do more to tame the ride.
This particular one is still on leafs. You can see them from the side profile photo… unless they’re there to mislead us into thinking they’ll still use leafs… but GM typically doesn’t play 4D chess like that.
About time.
GM’s V8 and transmission problems are the major problems that need to be rectified. Otherwise, I’ll stick with my reliable older GM products.
Bring back the ICONIC 5.7 liter V8. The 350 needs to be born again. With upgraded power at or above 400 horsepower. The 5.3 is good, but it’s not the 5.7-350ci V8 that started the small block history.
I second the 5.7L back in action around 450 hp. My sons 98 C/K has 260k on it and still runs really well. Also bore out the 6.2 to 6.8Ls and push it to 525hp. Go big GM. Heck your investing $600+ million dollars. Make it worth it for your customers
I’m thinking they’re going to integrate VVL, which would allow for the 5.3 to make well over 400HP and the 6.2 over 500 anyways, with increased torque throughout the whole power band. The 5.3 is a 500HP motor with an appropriate cam swap. It also won’t need to be a screamer to make those power numbers. The 5.3’s are also known to be million mile motors, with most units having the body/transmission failing first.
@Steve 29
I agree with you in the 5.3L as long as they don’t have the crappy AFM/DFM. There are a plethora of 1999 to 2006, 5.3L and 6.0Ls with over 250k or higher on them for sale on autotempest. I’m searching now for a 2003 to 2006 GMC denali for the son and I’m going to take the c/k and keep miles of my 18 Denali. I just love this truck and body style.
But bringing the 5.7L back would really excite many old school GM buyers. I know my father who hasn’t bought a truck since new in 2009 would buy one.
Maybe a small recommendation, and I’m a super big fan of the Traverse. It’s not a “truck” per se, but features the same size and engine as a Colorado, the 2012-2017’s can be picked up for a love song, and they are a great “baby” Tahoe. Add some off road tires and a spacer 1″ lift and you got basically a GMT800 Tahoe with better fuel economy. They ride insanely well, and tow stoutly. I’ve towed extensively with one, a couple times from Louisville to Florida with a jayco while in high school with my whole family, and here more recently with my 2018 traverse all the way to Missouri and back picking up classic cars. There is a ladder frame bolted to the bottom of the unibody so they are rugged machines, and the plastic covered rockers, while a little gaudy, are incredible at rust prevention.
You’re overestimating what the 5.3 and 6.2 will do in a truck. Everyone thought the Gen 5’s would be more power, and then the DFM Gen 5’s would make more power.
Setting high expectations for GM is just going to leave you disappointed. They don’t push the envelope and ironically they’ve gotten less reliable with it.
If you want to know where the all new 2027 will be, it will be almost where the competition was in in 2022-2023. That’s the GM way.
Name one 5.3 that’s even gone over 1 million miles. You can’t. You can’t even name one that has gone over 750k. The AFM will ruin the engine before it even reaches 250k. Talking straight bs is what you’re doing. You must be a chevrolet employee.
Tell me the last time GM did something exciting with their trucks. Nah, it will be a 5.3 with 370, maybe 375hp. Y.A.W.N.
Outboard shocks, like the competition did 20 years ago? Whoa.
Kevin I know it’s not the same “350” but had an LS1 iny 2002 Camaro Z28 I beat that car, sometimes went to long on oil changes, all in all that engine was rock solid I traded it in with 140,000 miles on it I still regret not keeping that car. Your right we need a new 350 small block, I’d even go as far to say as bring back the 400 big block with modern technology and possibly a hybrid option then again these are trucks if use them for work and not showing off to you neighbors gas mileage is a minor worry
The 265 CID started the small block chev. V8 history.
For work I drive a leased 5.3 GMC Yukon. I really like it with its 355 HP. It’s very quiet and provides much better fuel mileage than a 5.7 SBC.
Make the headlights lower so they don’t blind people at night !
It’ll likely copy the headlight design of the refresh 2025 Tahoes
@Melvin or don’t install LEDs that are way to bright, my 2019 Equinox has HID headlights and they are plenty bright enough but not as bright as the sun in your eyes LEDs. Also please no the bumper headlights these also blind me every night.
Hey GM Authority, why aren’t the comments open on the DEI article? Are you afraid of uneducated Robby Starbuck too? Nick Fuentes? Richard Spencer? Stephen Miller? Costco will survive the Trump recession. GM will need to be bailed out again by DEM 2028.
Get outta here commie. Does trump at least pay you to live in your head 24/7?
The inboard to outboard location of the rear shock absorbers has nothing to do with rear track. Come on guys, it’s not rocket science.
If the frame hasn’t changed dimensions, the shocks located outside the from could indicate wider track now that there is enough clearance for the shock mounts without interference with the tires.
Smaller engine coming with a bigger price typical gm
New body, new interior and a “massaged” frame…..what could go wrong ? Oh, that new small block ? Avoid for a couple of years for sure until they figure out what they did wrong….this time.
It’s been developed for almost 3 years now as the retooling investment was in 2023. They’ve been buying their time with good sales so they’ve probably used that to bench test the new motor thoroughly. DFM they claimed they put 7million verification miles on, and despite the oversized lifter bores in the 6.2, it appears to be bulletproof. Hopefully the extra time allowed them to exceed 7 million miles of testing.
My 2002 Avalanche had the shocks mounted outside the frame. That was also a coil rear suspension. Great handling for it’s day. (I’m aware the avalanche was just a suburban with an open cargo bay but still had it).
I’d like to see an air suspension option for the max towing package in the next gen trucks. Not sure how easy that is to have leafs on the base models with airbag option instead of coils as base.
No to air suspension. Too many fatal fail points. There’s a reason OTR trucks are expensive to upkeep between the turbo diesels and air suspension parts.
If we’re going to get fancy, id want to see an implementation of Packards torsion level suspension, which is self leveling, and “smoother than air”.
Air leveling is ok, not just an air suspension. I would like to see a leaf setup with air leveling, that way if the air system fails the suspension is good to until fixed.
Check out the specs on the new Ram charger EV truck. 690 mile range, rather impressive. V6 engine power’s generator to electric motors, 27 gallon fuel tank. 2600 lb payload, 14,000 lb towing capacity. Do all the work you want no plug in needed.
Maybe GM and Ford have that in their next generation trucks….
Mmhmmm, and gets 20MPG on gas, costs as much as a full EV but does not qualify for the tax credit, and probably cost more to make internally for Ram the the HUMMER EV.
The real news over at RAM is the return of the HEMI.
Air suspension would be fantastic in the 1/2 ton. Owned a ‘21 RAM limited for awhile and the best feature was 3” of adjustable suspension height; not to mention the incredible ride. THE only reason I traded it was to get the 3.0L Duramax (cause the Hemi had horrible economy! 18mpg highway best!). Now I’m cruising with less power, but extreme torque (for a 1/2ton) and my economy is always in the 20’s.
Nitrogen charged, closed loop air suspension is a very good idea. No freezing, and adjustable ride height at your fingertips. If you are one of those who tows with a 1/2 ton, the added benefit is to connect your ball or gooseneck hitch from the cab. GM-please consider nitrogen gas suspension.
Why are you towing a gooseneck or 5th wheel from a half ton? I guarantee you’re over payload.
Smfh. And who buys a truck for gas mileage? Especially if you’re buying the limiteds.
Speaking Of Truck Rear Shock Mount Designs … I’d Suggest, At Least For The Off Road Trucks Like The AT4X And The Bison… To Have Flush Shock Mounts On The Rear Axles For Higher Clearance And Less Vulnerability
😎👍
Man, I’ve been waiting for a redesign to buy a new truck but you left the mirrors in the ugliest spot.
Being said same platform since the chassis will carry on I doubt very much that the shocks are moved. It’s an illusion and comments to drive comments!
Hey that’s a great conspiracy theory you have there Jose. We spent time and money creating “an illusion” just so you can comment on it.
Anyway, I’d just like to kindly remind you that a “platform” can mean many different things, and the suspension can change drastically for vehicles on the same platform. The shocks were moved outboard for the 2023+ Colorado ZR2 and 2023+ Canyon AT4X despite the overall platform being very similar to the one on the last-gens.