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Comments: 1-15, 16-27
The interior was built of cheap plastic, so the vent grates were destroyed by the time I bought the truck.
The glove compartment door came apart. First the latch broke. Then it just broke off.
The cloth seat was in good shape for its age.
The stock Rochester radiator blew a tank and required replacement. I replaced it with a new Modine.
The 4.3L has an odd tick at low rpms.
The brakes always have been, and probably always will be junk. Replacement of master cylinder and repeated bleeding does no good. Brakes are just inherently weak.
If you start with a cold engine, just as truck reaches operating temperature, if you have to stop, and then attempt to take off, the TBI will freak out and flood the engine, causing it to sputter up to speed.
Front shocks don't live long. The A-arm suspension kills them.
The stock Delco paper speakers were a joke. They blew to David Lee Murphy at half volume.
The 4.3 has achieved up to 23mpg and has been very reliable, even with the haunting low rpm tick. Also, despite what some may say, the 4.3 can really put out some performance with the right driver and a slightly opened up exhaust. I'd take it over a 305 any day.
The THM400 tranny is bulletproof, only haunted by the standard GM bang when put in reverse.
The steering seems to have been set up for an Astro on this particular truck. This truck will not cut tight.
What exactly was the point of sport mirrors? You cannot see anything with them.
The 2.73 gear ratio in the GM 10 bolt rear end, while it helps deliver great fuel economy, hinders the truck's pulling ability and causes dead stop takeoffs to lag.
Never trust a GM fuel gauge.
It sounds like you have been chosen as "The Bearer Of Bad Luck". I proudly own a 89 cheyenne with the 4.3both v6 coupled to a 5 speed manual transmission. The truck is now 13 years old, bought brand new in late 88' and has been handed down to me from my father at 11 years old. Other than the factory recall on the paint (Repainted) my truck is not only a real looker, but with the 5 speed : roll hall and transmission it keeps up pretty damn good against a stock 350. I've embarassed a few as well. This is why Chevy & GMC owners never switch brands.
-Happy GM Owner.
I bought a used (obviously) 1988 Chevy Cheyenne pickup. I had been told there was a recall on the paint. I emailed GM and they said there was no recall on the paint... Then I noticed that someone else with this vehicle said there was a recall. how do I find out for sure and get gm to repaint the truck? third owner, bought for son...
Just read a message about someone having a problem with paint peeling on a G.M. vehicle. I have a 1993 Cadillac that has developed the same problem. Does anyone have any information on a recall from G.M.?
R.J.H.
Sailaway@csam.net.
I love my 1988 Cheyenne! It might not be the fastest truck, but it is reliable. It is still in pretty good shape with only a few minor defects. I have never really has any major problems. I think overall, I would say that my truck would rate pretty well!
I just bought an '88 with the 4.3/5spd combo with a rust free body and 331,000kms on the odo. Since I just bought it and it wasn't running, I don't know what it will be like to drive, but I can't wait.
So far I have replaced the clutch, battery, both motor mounts and a lower mount bracket and the tranny mount. It was no where to be found. The previous owner said it ran rough.. I wonder why??!! It was sitting on the frame!!
Since these truck have so many aftermarket parts available, you could make it any style you want. Hmmm Escalade front clip hhmmmm.
I'll enjoy, cheers.
Gerald.
I too own a 1988 Chevrolet c1500 cheyenne with a 4.3 liter engine, a 6 foot bed, and an automatic transmission. Because it was my first vehicle, I replaced the cab corner's and wheel wells which, of course rusted out ($900 dollars and it was a steal - I lucked out on the body work) as well as the engine with a GM 4.3 liter factory rebuilt with a respectable (considering the price $4200.00 at a Chevrolet Car Dealer-ouchh!) warranty. The truck performs terribly in inclement weather and especially in snow. Considering I live and drive in New England, it's a wonder why I even keep this vehicle (although with some good snow tires in the rear and about 600 pounds of sand contained in grain sacks, resting on your truck bed and evenly distributed over your rear axles, there isn't a snow storm shy of a glacier that could stop a Chevy c1500 (the "c" means that its 2 wheel drive). I will continue to proudly pour money into this "never was" classic.
I just bought a 1988 Cheyenne and am having a ball driving it to and from work. I live in upstate New York and it is a blast going up and down the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. The truck handles great and so far hasn't given me any trouble. It has a 4.3 liter engine and automatic transmission. As one person commented, it too has the standard jerk when I put it in reverse, but other than that, it could use a little touch-up paint here and there. The fellow I bought my truck from looked like he was losing a well-loved pet when I drove off. I told him I would take good care of it and his last words were "bye truck." No doubt he loved it very much and so do I.
I just bought a 1988 Cheyenne from a man for $100.00 and I must say it`s still a good truck. My wife asked me,"why do you want that old junker when you have a new Ford truck?."
I bought a new Chevy truck in `87 and late that year Chevy
came out with this truck, that made me mad, So I guess I`m making up for lost time. I plan on fixing Her up like new, she has real good body with only a few dints and dings. She worked for a electrical company before I got her.Can't wait to get a coat of paint on her an all dressed up.
To The above comment. I would rather have the 87 model now, because they are getting quite collectible, the Silverado shortbox especially. They are built more rugged also, ie. more metal, less plastic. Mechanically though, they are both excellent!
I have had a 1988 Cheyenne for about 3 years now and I have put a lot of cash into it. I personally think it is the best 88' out there. its always been reliable and its overall a great truck. you can set my truck on fire. And roll it down a hill and I still wouldn't trade it for a coupe deville!!! we can put pictures of our trucks on here and we'll see who has the nicest looking truck HIT ME UP!!!
I just bought a 1988 Chevy Cheyenne for 400 bucks, and there is no dings in the body, or the bed. the interior is mint, and the truck was only driven to xerox and back (the mans work). he was the original owner and stored it in his garage. it has a 4.3 in it, but what is the size and horse in it? it's a V6. the Tranny when in reverse sounds like it is in 2 gears at once and won't move, what is wrong with it?
I just bought an 89' Chevy truck. It has a 305 in it and it is throttle body. it has a perfect paint job, but, it keeps trying to flood out on me. if anyone knows what can fix it, please email me at big_mack_01@hotmail.com.
Sorry you got a lemon... I have an 88' Cheyenne with a 350 and a 700R4 tranny and it is a workhorse... After 355,000 miles I replaced the engine with a GM Goodwrench 350 after a rod bearing went out.
1988 Cheyenne. 4.3. 241,000 miles. Oil changed every 2500 miles since new. Engine finally lost oil pressure. This is the FIRST repair this truck has needed besides maintenance since new. Awesome vehicle!
I have a 88' with a 305 and TBI. It has 588,000+ miles and it still runs good. I got a few months ago from my grandfather and all I had to do was replace a brake line and the battery, after the truck had sat in his yard for over a year, and it was good to go. The only thing I hate about it is all the plastic parts are breaking and the air condition doesn't work, but other than that it runs perfect and I'm glad to have it as my first truck.