4X4 Chevy C/K 1500

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If you want an inexpensive and reliable 4WD pickup then the Chevy C/K 1500 has got to be the one for you. When these trucks came out in 1988 everyone was astonished at how civilized they were compared to other brands. I can remember climbing into the first one I saw and telling the owner, who was just as proud as could be, that I was going to steal it from him. The extra cab feature made me comfortable with my long legs and the driving position was almost car-like.

4X4 Chevy C/K 1500

The cabs of these trucks are full of comfort items that other trucks couldn't offer. There is a range of seating options, from buckets to split benches, with fabrics and trim as luxurious as in a Caprice. The dash is car-like, with proper climate and stereo controls that don't look like they were tacked on as an afterthought. Best of all, the steering wheel is not one of those huge Peterbilt-style numbers, but an attractive car-sized item.

Under the hood of these trucks you have the option of the 90 degree V6 or the small block V8. The six was a special order in the 4WD but, if you are lucky enough to find one, is actually a much more durable unit than the V8. The V8 came in either a 305 or 350 cubic inch displacement. Improvements were made to both of these engines over the years, with advances in fuel injection technology, increasing horsepower and fuel mileage. Everything under the hood is easy to service. You can't say that about most newer trucks today.

The chassis, while still a full frame, was greatly strengthened. At the same time it was made more compact and lighter. This was accomplished through the use of high-strength steels and hydraulic manufacturing processes. The rear axle was still suspended by leaf springs, proven to be both reliable and strong. The front suspension was, for the first time in a Chevy, an independent type. This enabled the 4WD truck to handle and ride like a car, as well as sitting closer to the ground. You no longer had to buy steps so that the girlfriend could go with. Combined with automatic hubs and extras such as ABS brakes, this gave you a truck you can take anywhere and still arrive in style. Look for one on eBay, quite a variety are available.