Cummins-Powered 1988 GMC Sierra Classic V3500 Stepside 4x4
Description
The 1988 GMC Sierra Classic V3500 pickup was both a bruiser and a looker, and it commanded attention everywhere it went. A luxury work truck with a Crew Cab designed to comfortably transport six adults, size mattered — and GMC played it up in its sales brochure. “They're big capacity trucks ... Big on passenger and cargo room ... Big on payload and GVWR.”
Introduced in 1987, the V3500 was part of the third generation of the GMC C/K series, which ran from 1973 to 1991. The one-ton, four-wheel-drive pickup featured body-on-frame construction and could be had with single or dual rear wheels, providing strength and durability for off-road conditions and heavy-duty use. Stylistically, it had a large grille and squared-off lines. And under the hood, the V3500 offered numerous powerful engine options, including V8s from 5.7 liters to 7.4 liters, as well as a 6.2-liter V8 diesel.
This carefully maintained 1988 GMC Sierra Classic V3500 Stepside, with Crew Cab and dual rear wheels, rolled out of the factory with a 7.4-liter V8, but the owner swapped it for a 5.9-liter Cummins turbo diesel inline-six. The original transmission has also been upgraded to a GM 4L80E automatic with a Compushift standalone computer system.
Highlights
Finished in Dark Huron Blue Metallic and gray paint over blue cloth interior
Upgrades during current ownership:
5.9-liter Cummins turbo diesel inline-six engine
General Motors 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission with Compushift standalone computer controller (rebuilt less than 3,000 miles ago), Np205 transfer case, and Gear Vender overdrive
Dana 70 HD rear differential
Dana 60 front differential
Frame reinforcement kit with Badland 12,000-pound winch
MBRP Performance exhaust upgraded to 4-inch 404 stainless steel with 5-inch stainless steel exhaust tip
LED light bar below grille
New BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A LT235/85 R16 tires all around
Front seat reupholstered to the original look
New carpet kit from LMC Truck
Aftermarket center console
Engine boost psi, exhaust temperature, and transmission temperature gauges mounted on A-pillar
Under dash tachometer and air filter minder
Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report
Features
Dual fuel tanks
“3x3” Crew Cab with roof lights
Gear Vender overdrive controller
Running boards
Bed liner and heavy-duty toolbox
16-inch chrome wheels
Towing capacity of 10,000 pounds with a regular hitch
Power steering, brakes, and windows
Air conditioning (blows cold)
Brushed pewter-tone trimmed gauge cluster: 85 mph speedometer and odometer, coolant temperature, oil pressure, battery, and fuel level
Factory AM/FM radio
Known Imperfections
Paint chips up front
Scuff on trim near driver door handle
Paint imperfection just below driver door
Scratch behind passenger door
Windshield has a chip in it
Original dash has some cracks (under carpet cover)
Fuel tank toggle switch is scratched
Included
Owner’s manual
Ownership History
Although the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report did not begin documenting ownership, emissions, and maintenance records until May 1991, this 1988 GMC Sierra Classic V3500 has had only one owner in its 37-year lifetime. The seller, who resides in Nevada City, California, says the truck is “my pride and joy. I’ve driven it to Wyoming and Colorado a couple times on hunting trips. It is a beast and can do pretty much anything.”
