Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself mechanics and professional automotive technicians.
Manual Advantage:
Provides tested, effective techniques and detailed diagrams for accurate, efficient repairs.
Readability:
Easy to read text sections with top quality diagrams and step-by-step instructions.
Visual Aid Quality:
Highly detailed exploded pictures and diagrams.
Information Completeness:
Packed with all necessary information, including manufacturer specifications and technical data.
Accessibility:
Instant download, no shipping fees or waiting.
General Coverage:
Service and repair procedures for 1983 Chevrolet Light Duty Trucks, Series 10-35.
Estimated Page Count:
Varies significantly based on specific publication, but typical factory service manuals for this era are between 800-1500 pages.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (Rear Axle, Driveshaft).
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear, including Power Brakes), Wheels & Tires.
Electrical:
Battery, Starting System, Charging System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Gauges, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors, if equipped), Fuses and Relays, Wiring Diagrams.
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Weatherstripping.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom charts, electrical circuit tracing, component testing.
Technical Data:
Specifications, torque values, clearances, alignment data, electrical resistance values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete overhauls and in-depth diagnostics.
Engine Options:
2.0L (122 cu in) L4, 2.8L (173 cu in) V6, 4.3L (262 cu in) V6 Diesel (optional), 5.0L (305 cu in) V8, 5.7L (350 cu in) V8 (High Performance/Heavy Duty option).
Horsepower Torque:
Specific figures vary by engine. For example, the 5.0L V8 typically produced around 145-160 hp and 225-245 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (typically Rochester Quadrajet or similar) for most gasoline engines; Fuel Injection (TBI) introduced on some models later in the generation.
Ignition Type:
Conventional breaker-point ignition or Electronic Spark Control (ESC) system on some later models.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Manual Transmission:
Various manual transmissions, including 3-speed, 4-speed (e.g., Saginaw SM465 for heavy duty), and 5-speed (e.g., NV4500 availability started late in this generation).
Automatic Transmission:
TH350 (3-speed), TH700R4 (4-speed overdrive).
Drivetrain Configurations:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) optional.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), Chassis Cab; Fleetside (step-side), Styleside (flareside) bed options.
Bed Lengths:
Typically 6.5 ft (short bed) and 8 ft (long bed) for Fleetside/Styleside.
Gvwr Range:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) varied significantly by series (10, 20, 30) and configuration, ranging from approximately 4,800 lbs to over 10,000 lbs.
Curb Weight:
Highly variable based on configuration, engine, and options.
Crash Test Data:
NHTSA ratings for this era are generally not directly comparable to modern standards. Emphasis was on occupant restraint and structural integrity.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assist standard on most models. Optional rear anti-lock brakes (RABS) became available later in the generation.
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for center and rear passengers (if equipped).
Interior Safety:
Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard, side-impact door beams (on some models).
Audio System:
AM/FM radio (optional AM/FM/Cassette), single speaker standard, optional dual speakers.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control available on many models.
Trailer Towing:
Factory wiring harnesses and brake controller provisions available as options.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires typically every 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or as specified by the manual, depending on transmission type and use.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH rated multi-viscosity oil. Common viscosities: 10W-30 or 10W-40 for gasoline engines, 15W-40 for diesel. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Capacity:
Varies by engine and radiator size, typically 12-18 quarts for a V8 with AC.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-II (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.
Rear Axle Fluid:
GL-5 gear oil, typically 80W-90. Limited-slip differentials require specific additive.
Common Problems:
Carburetor tuning issues, ignition system component failures (e.g., HEI distributor), exhaust manifold leaks, rear main seal leaks (V8 engines), rust (especially wheel wells, cab corners, frame rails), automatic transmission shift linkage adjustments, power steering pump leaks.
Air Filter Example:
AC-Delco A573C (for 5.0L/5.7L V8, varies by specific engine).
Oil Filter Example:
AC-Delco PF25 (for most V8 engines, varies by specific engine).
Chevrolet Truck Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, with the 'C/K' designation being a staple since the 1960s. This generation represented a significant modernization.
Generation Transition:
This 1983 model year falls within the 'Third Generation' C/K trucks (1973-1987), which saw substantial styling and engineering updates, including a more aerodynamic design and improved comfort over its predecessors.
Manufacturing Locations:
United States, Canada, Mexico.
