What do you get when you fuse the performance of a muscle car with the form of a truck? You get the Chevy Silverado 1500 SS. If you are looking for a truly unique used Chevy Silverado for sale near Aldine, TX, then keep your eyes peeled for this legendary muscle truck that made a splash from 2003 to 2006. While it was not the first nor the last muscle truck to be produced, the Chevy Silverado 1500 SS is definitely one of the most memorable.
Not Just Gym Muscles
Finding the perfect combination of performance and truck “uteness” takes some talent, but Chevy managed to do it when the brand rolled out the 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 SS. To start, the SS is fueled by a high-output 6.0-liter Vortec V8 with overhead valves. The engine does a great job of propelling the truck forward, hitting naught-to-sixty in a little over six seconds. The V8 produces 345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. It’s matched with a four-speed automatic.
The Silverado SS was introduced with a full-time all-wheel drive system standard but was swapped to rear-wheel drive for the final model year. Unlike four-wheel drive trucks, the center differential does not split torque equally between the rear and the front. Instead, it sends 38 percent of the torque forward and 62 percent to the rear, giving even the all-wheel drive trucks a strong rear bias. The Silverado SS also sports a locking rear differential, which forces the rear wheels to spin in unison for more traction.
Designed to ride like a car but be used as a truck, the SS is comfortable, fun, and functional. One way this is achieved is by utilizing a unique suspension designed for performance. The Z60 Suspension Package lowers and levels the vehicle, as opposed to lifting it as you would typically see with a truck. However, the Silverado 1500 SS was built using an extended-cab platform to provide plenty of truck prowess.
The sport suspension gives the truck the boost in performance it needs. Monotube shocks, which are commonly found on performance cars, sit at each corner. Thanks to the design, these shocks are more responsive in hard driving conditions. Monotube shocks are able to spread out impact better, creating less bounce and shake from road obstacles.
The front suspension is designed using torsion bars, which is a little out of date compared to today’s multilink designs, but it does a great job, nonetheless. Torsion bars twist, absorbing road impact and returning to their normal state quickly. Torsion bars are also sturdy while increasing comfort.
Distinguished Looks
The Chevy Silverado 1500 SS has a few elements to set it apart from traditional Silverados, but they are on the mild side. For the first two years of production, the SS was only available in Arrival Blue Metallic, Victory Red, and Black Onyx. For the final two years, the blue was dropped and replaced with the option of Silver Birch Metallic.
The lower front fascia differs from the typical Silverado, with a peekaboo window cut into the center to expose the grille. The grille insert is also unique, with small diamond grating. Additionally, the side cladding that is found on other Silverado models has been removed to create a more fluid and streamlined appearance. Finally, all the chrome accents were eliminated, with the exception of the SS badging.
The first few model years were based on the Silverado LT trim. This offered middle-of-the-road luxuries, although the available features would be considered spartan by modern standards. The interior is Dark Charcoal with cloth seats unless upgraded, providing a sleek look to match the sleek exterior. Upgrades were available, though, such as leather upholstery and a sunroof.
Despite being twenty years old, these trucks are Chevy built, which means they are built to last. Plus, many of the options available on the Silverado 1500 SS are options that would still be considered luxuries, even today. Imagine the head turns you’ll get when everyone sees you not only in a Chevy but in a muscle truck.
The Intimidator
Whether you are a fan of NASCAR or not, there’s a good chance you know of Dale Earnhardt. Recognized as one of the greatest drivers of all time, Dale Earnhardt left an impression on both the racing and the automotive community. He won an incredible number of races throughout his career, including the Daytona 500. He was a true force on the raceway, and if you had the honor of watching his black number three car speed down the track, then you know why he was nicknamed the Intimidator.
In honor of the late and great Earnhardt, Chevy decided to produce 1,333 special edition models of the 2006 Silverado 1500 SS. This model was named the Intimidator and offered an awesome twist on an already awesome truck. For every truck sold, Chevy promised to donate to Dale Earnhardt’s foundation, furthering his namesake.
There are plenty of things to love about the special edition, philanthropy aside. To start, the Intimidator was decked out using some of the most performance-hungry options for the SS. It was dropped even lower, reducing the ride height and pushing it further into the muscle truck segment. To complement the ground-hugging ride, Chevy stuck with the performance-style suspension but stiffened it up a bit.
Rather than sticking with four-wheel drive, like the original SS, the Intimidator was swapped to rear-wheel drive. Although to help with traction, it kept the locking rear differential. The exterior of the truck is all black, with a few special edition badges. A unique grille insert and a rear spoiler are also specific to the Intimidator edition. Inside you’ll find a dark charcoal color throughout, with either cloth seats or the upgraded leather. The headrests have large, embroidered Dale Earnhardt Legacy logos, while the instrument cluster features his signature.
Considering that many think of this truck as a collector’s item, it’s safe to say that past owners took fantastic care of their trucks. Don’t be intimidated when you come across a used Chevy Silverado 1500 SS Intimidator! It’s a well-loved piece of history that is best brought with us to the future. The additions to the Intimidator are just enough to maintain what makes the SS great while honoring someone who made a huge impact on American automotive culture.
Be on the Lookout for a Legendary Muscle Truck
Honestly, there are plenty of great used Chevy Silverado models out there. But there are only so many muscle trucks. Being able to combine everything we love about performance cars with everything we love about trucks, buying this truck is a no-brainer if you are lucky enough to find one. It’s obvious that there is a great equilibrium to the truck that could only be achieved by a brand like Chevy.
If you are extra lucky, you could even come across a used Intimidator, a well-done homage to a true driving legend. This special edition is exactly that, special. With its bumped-up performance features and the subtle nods to Intimidator himself, it’s a fantastic ride for NASCAR fans and pickup enthusiasts alike. While the last Silverado 1500 SS rolled off the line 17 years ago, this truck legend is still worth buying today.
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