For 1988, the fourth-generation Chevrolet and GMC C/K was introduced, including (1500) 1⁄2 ton, (2500) 3⁄4 ton, and (3500) 1 ton pickup trucks.
Here you will find specifications and information for 1988 model year Chevrolet and GMC full-size trucks.
This includes engine ratings, drivetrain specs, and chassis dimensions.
What Was New for 1988
- An all-new C/K pickup: Regular Cab with a 6.5 ft or 8 ft box, and Extended Cab with an 8 ft box.
- Two box styles: Fleetside/Wideside (body code E63) and the new Sportside (E62), offered only on the C/K1500 6.5 ft box (C10703/K10703).
- Four-wheel-drive K models got independent front suspension with torsion bars and the New Process 241 two-speed transfer case.
- Three trim levels: Cheyenne/Sierra SL (standard), Scottsdale/Sierra SLX (RPO Z62) and Silverado/Sierra SLE (RPO YE9).
Looking for GM official tow ratings? Tow Ratings
Engines
| RPO | Engine | Power(hp) | Torque(ft-lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB4 | 4.3L (262ci) V6 | 160 @ 4000 | 235 @ 2400 | C/K1500-2500 only |
| L03 | 5.0L (305ci) V8 | 175 @ 4000 | 270 @ 2400 | C/K1500-2500 only |
| L05 | 5.7L (350ci) V8 | 210 @ 4000 | 300 @ 2800 | Below 8600 GVWR |
| L05 | 5.7L (350ci) V8 | 185 @ 4000 | 295 @ 2400 | 8600+ GVWR |
| L19 | 7.4L (454ci) V8 | 230 @ 3600 | 385 @ 1600 | C/K3500 only |
| LH6 | 6.2L (379ci) V8 Diesel | 126 @ 3600 | 240 @ 2000 | Below 8600 GVWR Manual Transmission |
| LH6 | 6.2L (379ci) V8 Diesel | 140 @ 3600 | 247 @ 2000 | Below 8600 GVWR Auto Transmission |
| LL4 | 6.2L (379ci) V8 Diesel | 143 @ 3600 | 257 @ 2000 | 8600+ GVWR |
Manual Transmissions
| Model | 4-SPEED SM465 | 5-SPEED W/OVERDRIVE |
|---|---|---|
| RPO | MM4 | MM5 |
| Synchronized Speeds | 2/3/4 | 1/2/3/4/5 |
| First | 6.55 | 4.02 |
| Second | 3.58 | 2.32 |
| Third | 1.70 | 1.40 |
| Fourth | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Fifth | – | 0.73 |
| Reverse | 6.09 | 3.74 |
Automatic Transmissions
| Model | 3-SPEED TH400 | 4-SPEED w/OVERDRIVE 700R4 |
|---|---|---|
| RPO | MX1 | MX0 |
| First | 2.48 | 3.06 |
| Second | 1.48 | 1.63 |
| Third | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Fourth | – | 0.70 |
| Reverse | 2.08 | 2.29 |
Models, Dimensions and Weights
Gasoline models with standard equipment. Dimensions are in inches and weights in pounds; payload is GM’s figure with standard equipment.
| Model | Cab / Box | Wheelbase | Overall Length | Curb Weight | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C10703 | Regular, 6.5 ft Fleetside | 117.5 | 194.1 | 3655 | 1541 |
| C10703 | Regular, 6.5 ft Sportside | 117.5 | 194.0 | 3702 | 1494 |
| C10903 | Regular, 8 ft | 131.5 | 212.9 | 3729 | 1465 |
| C10953 | Extended, 8 ft | 155.5 | 236.9 | 4074 | 1896 |
| C20903 | Regular, 8 ft | 131.5 | 212.9 | 3933 | 3276 |
| C20953 | Extended, 8 ft | 155.5 | 236.9 | 4224 | 2964 |
| C30903 | Regular, 8 ft | 131.5 | 212.9 | 4293 | 4169 |
| C30953 | Extended, 8 ft | 155.5 | 236.9 | 4562 | 3879 |
| K10703 | Regular, 6.5 ft Fleetside | 117.5 | 194.1 | 4097 | 1506 |
| K10703 | Regular, 6.5 ft Sportside | 117.5 | 194.0 | 4144 | 1459 |
| K10903 | Regular, 8 ft | 131.5 | 212.9 | 4178 | 1425 |
| K10953 | Extended, 8 ft | 155.5 | 236.9 | 4521 | 1648 |
| K20903 | Regular, 8 ft | 131.5 | 212.9 | 4285 | 2913 |
| K20953 | Extended, 8 ft | 155.5 | 236.9 | 4580 | 2597 |
| K30903 | Regular, 8 ft | 131.5 | 212.9 | 4683 | 3790 |
| K30953 | Extended, 8 ft | 155.5 | 236.9 | 4960 | 3493 |
1500 and 2500 weights are with the 4.3L V6; 3500 weights are with the 5.7L V8, their base engine. Diesel models run about 400 lb heavier with payload reduced to match (C20903 diesel: 4340 lb curb, 2403 lb payload). All Fleetside beds measure 49.2 in between the wheel wells. Front bumper to back of cab is 110.6 in on the Regular Cab and 134.3 in on the Extended Cab.
Chassis by Series
Gasoline Regular Cab models with standard equipment.
2WD (C models): independent front suspension with coil springs
| C1500 | C2500 | C3500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 4.3L V6 | 4.3L V6 | 5.7L V8 |
| Base Transmission | 5-speed manual (OD) | 5-speed manual (OD) | 4-speed SM465 |
| Front Capacity (lb) | 2950 | 3150 | 3800 |
| Rear Axle Capacity (lb) | 3750 | 4800 | 6000 |
| Standard Axle Ratio | 2.73 | 3.42 | 3.42 |
| Front Rotor | 11.57″ | 11.57″ | 12.5″ |
| Rear Drum | 10″ x 2.25″ | 11.15″ x 2.75″ | 13″ x 2.5″ |
| Standard Tires | P205/75R15 | LT225/75R16D | LT245/75R16E |
| Wheels | 15″ x 6″ | 16″ x 6.5″ | 16″ x 6.5″ |
4WD (K models): independent front suspension with torsion bars, New Process 241 two-speed transfer case
| K1500 | K2500 | K3500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 4.3L V6 | 4.3L V6 | 5.7L V8 |
| Base Transmission | 5-speed manual (OD) | 5-speed manual (OD) | 4-speed SM465 |
| Front Capacity (lb) | 3350-3450 | 3925 | 4250 |
| Rear Axle Capacity (lb) | 3750 | 4800 | 6000 |
| Standard Axle Ratio | 3.42 | 3.42 | 3.42 |
| Front Rotor | 11.57″ | 11.57″ | 12.5″ |
| Rear Drum | 10″ x 2.25″ | 11.15″ x 2.75″ | 13″ x 2.5″ |
| Standard Tires | LT225/75R16C | LT225/75R16D | LT245/75R16E |
| Wheels | 16″ x 6.5″ | 16″ x 6.5″ | 16″ x 6.5″ |
Every model has a 25 gallon fuel tank, integral power steering, and self-adjusting front disc / rear drum brakes. Diesel models get two batteries and a 600 watt engine block heater, and the diesel 1500s use larger 11.86 in front rotors.
GVWR Ratings
- C1500 Regular Cab: 5200, 5600 or 6100 lb. C1500 Extended Cab: 6200 lb.
- K1500 Regular Cab: 5600 or 6100 lb. K1500 Extended Cab: 6200 or 6600 lb.
- C/K2500: 7200 lb.
- C/K3500: 8600 lb, with C3500 models available at 10,000 lb when properly equipped.
Axle Ratios and RPO Codes
Ratios offered in the 1988 power team charts: 2.73, 3.08 (GU4), 3.42 (GU6), 3.73 (GT4), 4.10 (GT5) and 4.56 (HC4, 3500 only). The G80 locking differential was a $252 option, not available with the 7.4L L19. For axle details see the 8.5″ 10-bolt, 9.5″ 14-bolt semi-floating and 10.5″ 14-bolt full-floating articles, and use the Gearing Calculator to compare ratios.
Popular Packages
- Z71 Off-Road Chassis Package (K1500 only, $310): F59 front stabilizer bar and NZZ skid plates. Required GL or LT265 tires.
- Z81 Camper Special (C/K2500-3500): auxiliary battery, camper wiring harness, DF2 camper mirrors, F59 stabilizer and NJ8 auxiliary fuel tank.
- Z82 Heavy Duty Trailering Special: VR4 weight-distributing hitch, UY7 7-lead wiring harness, and V02 radiator and transmission oil cooler. Required an automatic transmission.
- R05 Dual Rear Wheels (C3500 only, $1,038): includes rear fender extensions and roof marker lamps.
Original Pricing
The 1988 price list started at $9,347 for a C1500 6.5 ft Fleetside with the 4.3L V6, and topped out at $15,515 for a K3500 Extended Cab with the 6.2L HD diesel.
Source: GM’s 1988 C/K Pickup dealer data book. See the full scan on the 1988 Chevrolet Pickup Dealer Info Sheet page.
