Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts, professional mechanics, fleet maintenance personnel
Accuracy:
Accurate, clear, and concise text combined with high-quality diagrams and illustrations
Ease Of Use:
Step-by-step instructions and exploded views for easy comprehension
Diagrams:
Top quality diagrams and exploded views to illustrate repair procedures.
Completeness:
Covers every single detail, based on complete disassembly of the machine.
Competitors Era:
Ford F-Series, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra trucks of the same vintage.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emission controls
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshafts, axles, differentials
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system
Brakes:
Brake system (hydraulic, power assist), parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, glass
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped)
Wheel And Tire:
Wheel specifications, tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel alignment
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, common problem identification
Repair:
Component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly, repair techniques
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Chassis Components:
Frame, crossmembers, springs, shock absorbers, steering linkage
Fuel System Repair:
Fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor overhaul, fuel tank servicing
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan clutch
Exhaust System:
Muffler, catalytic converter (if equipped), exhaust pipes, hangers
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for troubleshooting electrical faults
Body Repair:
Dent removal, panel replacement, rust repair techniques, glass replacement
Depth:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components and systems
Specifications:
Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and alignment data.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.
Type Description:
Comprehensive factory-style service and repair manual, equivalent to the professional shop manuals used by dealerships.
Printability:
Full printable, allowing users to print specific pages or the entire manual
Zoom Capability:
Yes, allowing users to zoom in on diagrams and text for clarity
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Operating Systems:
Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF download, not a physical binding)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF download, not a physical paper type)
Available Engines:
4.1L (250 ci) I6, 5.0L (305 ci) V8, 5.7L (350 ci) V8, 6.6L (400 ci) V8 Diesel (as applicable for light duty trucks)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 115-165 hp (depending on engine and configuration)
Torque Range:
Approx. 190-280 lb-ft (depending on engine and configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (typically Rochester Quadrajet, or similar)
System Type:
Conventional breaker-point or early electronic ignition systems
Common Engine Codes:
e.g., LM1 (305 V8), L48 (350 V8), 4BTA (diesel), depending on chassis and options.
Displacements:
250, 305, 350, 400
Engine Displacement Liter
Displacements:
4.1, 5.0, 5.7, 6.6
Body Styles:
Pickup trucks (Fleetside, Stepside), Chassis Cab
Gvwr Range:
Varies significantly based on configuration, typically 5,000 - 7,500 lbs for light duty
Wheelbase Lengths:
Multiple wheelbase options available (e.g., 117.5", 131.5", 164.5" for pickup trucks).
Bed Lengths:
Various bed lengths available (e.g., 6.5 ft, 8 ft).
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, depending on driving conditions
Tune Up:
Recommended at 30,000 miles, including spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, points (if applicable)
Engine Oil:
API SF service classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II automatic transmission fluid
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, cab corners, bed sides
Carburetor Issues:
Vibration dampening, idle adjustment, fuel mixture
Ignition System:
Points and condenser wear, coil failure, spark plug fouling
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, leaf springs
Dashboard Cracking:
Dashpad material can become brittle and crack with age and sun exposure.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of vacuum lines affecting HVAC controls and engine operation.
Alternator Issues:
Brush wear, voltage regulator failure.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts with filter (for V8 engines), 6 quarts with filter (for I6 engines). Check manual for exact capacity.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 15-20 quarts depending on engine and radiator size. Check manual.
Oil Filter Example:
e.g., AC Delco PF2, Fram PH8A (verify specific application for engine).
Brand Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long-standing reputation for producing robust and versatile trucks.
Platform:
This generation of Chevrolet trucks (often referred to as the 'Rounded Line' or 'Square Body' generation) saw significant design and engineering updates.
Production Era:
1973-1987 (this manual covers the 1980 model year within this broader platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Various General Motors assembly plants in North America.
Predecessor:
This generation replaced the earlier C/K series trucks (e.g., 1967-1972).