• 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.
• All C/K models would ride on independent front suspension.
• Three trim levels were available: Cheyenne, Scottsdale, and Silverado.
• Engines were a 160 hp (119 kW) 4.3 L V6, a 175 hp (130 kW) 5.0 L V8, a 210 hp (157 kW) 5.7 L V8 and a 6.2 L diesel V8. A 230 hp (172 kW) 7.4 L V8 was available in the 3/4-ton and one-ton trucks.
• In 1989, a half ton 2WD fleetside Sport appearance package was available with black and red bumper and body trim, and a black grille with red outlined Chevrolet emblem, chrome wheels with custom center caps, and fog lights.
• Also in 1989, the 4×4 sport appearance package included black bumper and body trim, wheel flares, mirrors, sport grille, 16–inch cast-aluminum wheels and special “4×4” badging on the box and “SPORT” badged on the tailgate. The box and tailgate decals were flanked by red outlined Chevy bowties.
• The sport package was only offered from 1989 until 1992 as some insurance companies began to express concerns with the idea of a high-performance truck.
• A Z71 off-road package was also available with skid plates and Bilstein shocks making it the first off road package offered by the Big Three automakers.
• In 1991, the 4L80-E automatic transmission was available for the 3/4-ton and one-ton trucks. In 1992, the 4-speed manual transmission was dropped and the stepside trucks were available with extended cabs.
• The 700R4 transmission was replaced with the 4L60-E automatic in 1993.
• In 1994, models received a new front fascia refresh.
• All 1995 models received a new interior that included a new steering wheel containing a driver’s side airbag, a new dashboard containing a more central-mounted radio, dial operated HVAC system, and a revised gauge cluster.