The C/K was Chevrolet and GMC’s full-size pickup truck line from 1947 until 1998 in the United States, from 1965 to 1999 in Canada, from 1964 to 2001 in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile. The 1960 model year introduced a new body style of light pick-up truck that featured many firsts. Most important of these were a drop-center ladder frame, allowing the cab to sit lower, and independent front suspension, giving an almost car-like ride in a truck. For the first Chevrolet C Series, made from 1911 to 1913, see Chevrolet Series C Classic Six, (the first Chevy). A mid-life cycle cosmetic facelift and mechanical refresh was carried out for the 1981 model year. In response to the recent 1979 energy crisis, the 1981 rework featured several fuel saving techniques to help make the Rounded-Line C/K-Series pickups more fuel efficient. For the 1987 model year, the last model year for the conventional cab pickups, the Rounded-Line C/K-Series were renamed the R/V-Series. R-Series now designated two-wheel drive, while V-Series represented four-wheel drive. The third generation of GM’s full-size pickup line had a fuel tank design that drew criticism after the model run ended. The fuel tank was relocated from the cab to the outboard sides of one or both frame rails beneath the cab floor extending under the leading edge of the pickup box, commonly referred to as a sidesaddle arrangement. Development of these trucks began around 1984 and were introduced in September 1987 as 1988 models (known as the GMT400 platform), there were eight different versions of the C/K line for 1988: Fleetside Single Cab, Fleetside Extended Cab, Fleetside Crew Cab, and Stepside Single Cab, each in either 2WD (C) or 4WD (K) drivelines
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the oil in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To change the oil in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan and remove it. Allow the old oil to drain out completely before replacing the drain plug and adding fresh oil through the oil filler cap. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the proper amount and type of oil to use.
How do I check the transmission fluid in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To check the transmission fluid in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first ensure the engine is warm and running. Locate the transmission dipstick, typically near the back of the engine bay, and remove it. Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it, and remove it again to check the fluid level. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the proper type of transmission fluid to use and how to add it if necessary.
How do I replace the air filter in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the air filter in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the air filter housing, typically near the front of the engine bay. Remove the housing cover and old air filter, being careful not to allow any debris to fall into the intake. Replace the old filter with a new one, making sure it is properly seated in the housing, and replace the cover.
How do I replace the alternator in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the alternator in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove any belts or pulleys that may be in the way, and then remove the old alternator. Replace the old alternator with a new one, being sure to reconnect any belts or pulleys that were removed. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
How do I replace the battery in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the battery in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the battery and remove the negative cable. Remove the positive cable and any retaining hardware, and then remove the old battery. Replace the old battery with a new one, being sure to properly secure it with retaining hardware. Reconnect the positive and negative cables.
How do I replace the brake pads in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the brake pads in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first remove the wheel and then the caliper from the rotor. Remove the old brake pads and replace them with new ones, being sure to properly seat them in the caliper. Replace the caliper and wheel, and repeat the process on the other wheels. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the proper torque specifications for the wheel bolts.
How do I replace the distributor cap and rotor in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the distributor cap and rotor in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the distributor cap. Remove any retaining hardware that is holding the cap in place, and then remove the old cap. Replace the old cap with a new one, being sure to properly seat it on the distributor. Remove the old rotor and replace it with a new one, being sure to properly seat it on the distributor shaft. Reinstall any retaining hardware that was removed.
How do I replace the fuel filter in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the fuel filter in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the fuel filter, typically near the fuel tank. Remove any retaining hardware or connections that are holding the fuel filter in place, and then remove the old fuel filter. Replace the old fuel filter with a new one, being sure to properly connect any hardware or connections that were removed.
How do I replace the radiator in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the radiator in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first drain the coolant from the radiator and remove any hoses or connections that are connected to it. Remove any retaining bolts or hardware that are holding the radiator in place, and then remove the old radiator. Replace the old radiator with a new one, being sure to properly connect any hoses or connections that were removed. Refill the radiator with coolant.
How do I replace the serpentine belt in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the serpentine belt in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the belt tensioner. Use a wrench or socket to relieve tension on the belt, and then remove the old belt. Replace the old belt with a new one, being sure to properly route it around all pulleys. Release tension on the belt tensioner to allow the new belt to be properly tensioned.
How do I replace the spark plugs in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the spark plugs in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the spark plug wires and follow them to the spark plugs. Use a spark plug socket and ratchet to remove the old spark plugs and replace them with new ones, being careful not to overtighten the plugs. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the proper spark plug gap and torque specifications.
How do I replace the starter in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the starter in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first disconnect the negative battery cable. Locate the starter and remove any retaining bolts or hardware. Disconnect any wiring or cables that are connected to the starter, and then remove the old starter. Replace the old starter with a new one, being sure to reconnect any wiring or cables that were removed. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
How do I replace the thermostat in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the thermostat in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first locate the thermostat housing, typically near the engine block. Remove any retaining bolts or hardware that are holding the housing in place, and then remove the old thermostat. Replace the old thermostat with a new one, being sure to properly seat it in the housing. Reinstall the housing and any retaining bolts or hardware that were removed.
How do I replace the water pump in my Chevrolet K Pick Up?
To replace the water pump in your Chevrolet K Pick Up, first drain the coolant from the radiator. Remove any belts or pulleys that may be in the way, and then remove the old water pump. Replace the old water pump with a new one, being sure to properly connect any belts or pulleys that were removed. Refill the radiator with coolant.
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