Segment:
Full-size pickup truck
Competitors:
Ford F-Series, Dodge Ram Pickup
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), Crew Cab (available later in generation)
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (6.5 ft), Long Bed (8 ft)
Drive Types:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Trim Levels:
Base, LS, LT, Z71 (off-road package)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, diagnostics
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshafts, U-joints, differentials (rear axle), hubs, CV joints (if applicable for 4WD)
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shocks, springs, ball joints, bushings
Steering Systems:
Power steering, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, linkages
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, parking brake, hydraulic system
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, accessories, body electrical, chassis electrical, wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, and service
Body Systems:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, latches, glass, bumpers
Frame Chassis:
Frame inspection, repair, and modifications
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation, electrical diagnostics
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, adjustments, component data, electrical schematics
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (Dealer-level diagnostics, complete rebuilds, in-depth troubleshooting)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
118.0 inches
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
130.0 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
211.7 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
229.5 inches
Cargo Bed Volume Short Bed:
73.8 cu ft
Cargo Bed Volume Long Bed:
87.8 cu ft
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,200 - 5,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Gvw Range:
Approx. 6,200 - 7,200 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact 25Mph:
Not rated or not tested under current protocols
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact 25Mph:
Not rated or not tested under current protocols
ABS:
Standard on 4WD models, optional on 2WD models (rear-wheel ABS typically)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some models
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic transmissions, consult manual for manual transmission intervals.
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years, depending on coolant type.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on temperature), consult manual for specific viscosity and API service classification.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Conventional green ethylene glycol based coolant
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Common failure on Vortec V8 engines leading to coolant leaks and misfires.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Can fail, leading to no-start or stalling issues.
Rust Perforation:
Common in areas with road salt, especially on lower body panels, rocker panels, and bed.
Fuel Pump Failures:
Can occur, especially with age.
Heater Core Leaks:
Can cause coolant smells inside the cabin and fogged windows.
Chevrolet Truck Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long-standing reputation for building durable and capable trucks since the early 20th century.
C K Generation:
This manual covers the GMT400 platform, which was introduced in late 1987 for the 1988 model year and ran through 2000 (with some variations for specific models).
1998 Updates:
The 1998 model year saw minor cosmetic updates and potentially refinements to existing systems compared to earlier GMT400 trucks.
Manufacturing Locations:
Various GM assembly plants in North America (e.g., Fort Wayne, Indiana; Janesville, Wisconsin; Flint, Michigan)
