
D (Third  Gear) 
This  is  like 
OD, but  you  never  go  into  Overdrive.  You  should  use D when 
towing  a  trailer,  carrying  a heavy  load,  driving  on  steep  hills,  or  for  off-road 
driving. 
2 (Second  Gear) 
This  position  gives  you  more  power  but  lower  fuel  economy.  You can  use 
2 
on  hills.  It can  help  control  your  speed as you  go  down  steep  mountain 
roads,  but  then  you  would  also  want  to use  your  brakes 
off and  on. 
If you  manually  select 2, the  transmission will drive  in second  gear.  You  may 
use  this  feature  for  reducing  torque  to the  rear  wheels  when  you  are  trying 
to 
start  your  vehicle  from  a  stop  on  slippery  road  surfaces. 
1 (First  Gear) 
This  position  gives  you  even  more  power  (but  lower  fuel  econo\
my)  than 
2. 
You  can  use it on  very  steep  hills,  or  in deep  snow  or  mud. If the  selector 
lever 
is put  in 1, the  transmission  won’t  shift  into  first  gear  until  the  vehic\
le  is 
going  slowly  enough. 
NWTIGE 
If your  rear  wheels  can’t  rotate,  don’t  try  to drive.  This  might  happen if 
you  were  stuck  in very  deep  sand or mud  or  were  up against  a. solid 
object.  You could  damage  your  transmission. 
AWZ , <,*,~l,<.,. ... 
Also, if you  stop  when  going  uphill,  don’t  hold  your  vehic  there with only  the 
accelerator  pedal. 
This could  overheat  and  damage ,the transmission. Use your 
brakes or shii into P (Park)  to hdd your  vehicle in position on a hill. 
.,$*’,,&:&> ._,, , . ~  ~ ,>&:a 
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Features & Controls 
Propshaft  Brake  Burnish  Procedure 
If you  have a 3500 HD Model,  it  is  recommended  that  the  propshaft  mounted 
parking  brake  be  burnished  as  part  of  the  new  vehicle  break  in.  The  parking 
brake 
will work  best  after it has  been  burnished  following  these  instructions. 
Make 
10 stops,  using  the  parking  brake  foot  pedal,  from  20  mph  (32  k\
m/h) 
about  2 
112 miles (4 km)  apart. In between  stops,  drive  the  vehicle  at 20 
mph  (32  kmlh). 
Torque Lock 
The  parking  brake  should  be  set  first  whenever  leaving  the  dri\
ver’s  seat. If 
you  are  parked  on  a  hill and  the  transmission  is  placed  in P (Park)  before 
the  parking  brake  is  set,  the  weight  of the  vehicle  may  put  too much  force 
on  the  parking  pawl  in the  transmission. 
It may  be  difficult to pull the  selector 
lever  out  of 
P (Park).  This  is  called  “torque  lock.”  To prevent  this,  the  parking 
brake  should  be  set 
BEFORE moving  the  selector  lever  to P (Park). 
When  preparing 
to move  the  vehicle,  the  selector  lever  should  be  moved  out 
of 
P (Park) BEFORE releasing  the  parking  brake.  Set  the  parking  brake  first, 
then  release  the  transmission  from 
P (Park),  even  on  level  surfaces. 
If “torque  lock” does  occur,  you  may  have to have  another  vehicle  nudge 
your  vehicle  uphill  a  little 
to take  some of the  pressure off the  transmission 
while  you  pull the  selector  lever  out  of 
P (Park). 
Shifting  Into P  (Park) (Automatic  Transmission  Models  Only) 
1 CAUTION 
It can  be  dangerous  to  get  out of your  vehicle if the  shift  lever  is  not 
fully  in 
P (Park) with the  parking  brake  firmly  set. Your vehicle  can 
roll. 
If you  have  left  the  engine  running,  the  vehicle can move  suddenly. 
You 
or others  could be injured. TO be  sure  your  vehicle  won’t  move, 
when  you’re 
on fairly level  ground,  use  the steps  that  follow. 
If you  have  four-wheel  drive  and  your  transfer  case is in N (Neutral), 
your vehicle will be  free  to roll-even if your  shift  lever  is in P 
{Park). So, be  sure  the transfer  case is in a drive  gear-not N 
(Neutral). 
If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re  pulling a trailer,  also  see 
“Parking on Hills9’ or “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. I 
2-30 
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AM470053 
If there  is no  curb  when  you’re  parking  uphill,  turn  the wheels to the  right. 
If there  is no  curb  when  you’re  parking  uphill  on  the  left  side  of a  one-way 
street,  your  wheels  should be turned  to  the  left. 
Torque Lock (Automatic  Transmission) 
If  you  are  parking  on  a  hill  and  you  don’t  shift  your  tra\
nsmission  into P 
(Park)  properly,  the  weight  of the  vehicle  may put  too  much  force  on  the 
parking  pawl  in the  transmission.  You  may find  it difficult  to  pull  the  shift  lever 
out  of 
P (Park).  This is  called  “torque  lock.” To prevent  torque  lock,  always 
be  sure  to shift  into 
P (Park)  before  you  leave  the driver’s  seat. To find  out 
how,  see  “Shifting Into 
P (Park)” in the  Index. 
When  you  are ready  to drive,  move  the  shift  lever  out 
of P (Park) BEFORE 
you  release  the  parking  brake. 
If  “torque  lock” does  occur,  you  may  need  to  have  another  vehicle  push 
yours  a  little  uphill  to take  some  of the  pressure  from  the transmission, 
so 
you  can  pull  the  shift  lever  out  of P (Park). 
4-5 1 
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Incorrect  wheel  nuts  or  improperly  tightened  wheel  nuts  can  cau\
se 
the  wheel  to become  loose  and  even  come 
off. This  could  lead to 
i accident.  Be  sure to use  the  correct  wheel  nuts.  If  you  have to 
Stop  somewhere as soon  as  you  can  and  have  tht;  wts tightened 
vvith  a  torque  wrench  to  the  proper  torque. 
. lace  them,  be sure to get  the  right  kind. mGe+ . p+p+<.:, 
For  proper  torque,  see  “Wheel Nut Torque”  in  the  Index. 
Put  the  wheel  trim  back  on.  For  vehicles  with  plastic  nut  cap\
s,  tighten  the 
caps  until  they  are  finger  tight,  then  tighten  them  an  additio\
nal  one-half  turn 
with  the  ratchet.  Remove  any  wheel 
blocks. 
 ring a  jack,  a  tire  or  other  equipment  in  the  passenger - I. 
compartment  of the  vehicle cnvld cause  injuy In  a  sudden stnn OW 4s 
in collision,  loose equipment 
the  proper  place. 
- 
Storing the Jack  and Tire 
Storing  Tire  in  Underbody  Carrier 
UNDERBODY  SPARE  TIRE  MOUNTING 
HOIST 
CABLE 
RETAINER 
& RATCHET 
=r/49q “UP/DOWN”  MARKING 
WHEEL  WRENCH 
 
SHAFT (CHISEL  END) 
TIRE 
a> 
SPARE  VALVE STEM 
(POINTED  DOWN) 
PB009 
Put  the  tire  on  the  ground  at  the  rear of the  vehicle,  with  the  valve  stem 
pointed  down. 
5-3 1 
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Other Maintenance Items 
Front  Suspension  and  Steering  Linkage 
Your maintenance  schedule  will  tell you  how  often  to  lubricate  the  fittings.  See 
“Recommended  Fluids  and  Lubricants’’  in the  Index  for  the  proper  lubricant  to 
use. 
Front  Wheel  Bearings 
Your  vehicle  has  front  wheel  bearings  that  must  be  cleaned  and  repa\
cked. 
Your  maintenance  schedule  will  tell you  how  often this must  be  done. 
Front  Shock  Absorbers 
The  front  shock  absorbers  of  your  vehicle  do  many  things.  They  help  the 
vehicle  ride  smoothly  and  also  control  the  travel 
of the  suspension  system. 
When  the  shock  absorbers  are  serviced,  any  replacement  shock  absorber\
s 
must  be  the  same  as  the  original  equipment  shock  absorbers  in both 
extended  length  and  strength. 
1 NOTICE 
If you  use  shock  absomers  that  are nor me  same  as the  original  shock 
I absorbers,  the  shock  absorbers  or  suspension  system  could  be  da\
maged. 
Wheel Nut Torque 
For  vehicles  with  dual  wheels,  when  the  vehicle,  wheel  or  fast\
eners  are  new, 
have  the  torque  set  at  the  first 
100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles (160, 1600 and 
9600 km).  Use  the  torque  specified  in  the  appropriate  Specification \
 Chart  later 
in  this  section. 
Single  Belt  Accessory  Drive 
If  your  new  vehicle  uses  a serpentine  belt,  it  is  lighter,  and  more  durable 
than  systems  with  several  belts. 
The  belt  runs  over  or  around  the  pulleys 
on the  engine. A tensioner is used 
to  keep  the  belt  tight  at  all times.  The  tensioner  also  makes  replacing  the 
belt  easier. 
If you  need  to  replace  the  belt,  be  sure  to  get  the  correct 
replacement  belt.  Your dealership 
or parts  supplier  can  help  you  with  this. 
The  Accessory  Drive  Belt  Routing  label  on  your  vehicle  will  sh\
ow  you  how  to 
route  the  belt  your  vehicle  uses. 
6-5 1 
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Service & Appearance Cam 
Tire lnspecfion and Rotation 
To make  your tires  last  longer,  have  them  inspected  and  rotated  at  the 
mileages  recommended  in the  Maintenance  Schedule.  See  “Scheduled 
Maintenance  Services”  in the  Index. 
Q 
- 
- 
K2655 
Use  this  rotation  pattern. 
If your  vehicle  has  front  tires  with  different  load  ratings  or tread  designs  (such 
as  all  season 
vs. onloff  road)  than  the  rear  tires,  don’t  rotate  your  tires  \
front 
to  rear. 
After  the  tires  have  been  rotated,  adjust  the  front  and  rear  \
inflation  pressure 
as  shown  on  the  CertificationRire  label.  Make  certain  that  all  wheel  nuts  are 
properly  tightened.  See  “Wheel  Nut  Torque” 
in the Index. 
A Rust or dirt  on  a  wheel,  or  on  the parts to which -it is fastened,  can 
make  the wheel  nuts become  loose  after  a  time.  The  wh.eel could 
come 
off and  cause  an  accident.  When  you  change-  a-  :wheel,  remove 
’ any -rust or dirt  from  places  where  the  wheel  attaches  to the vehicle: 
,: In an  emergency,  you  can  use a cloth or  paper  towel to do this; but 
3 be  sure  to use  a  scraper  or  wire  brush  later, if you  need- to, to get 
-T all the rust or dirf off. See “Changing  a  Flat Tire” in the  Index. 
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Specification  Charts 
Replacement  Parts 
Replacement  part  numbers  listed in this  section  are  based  on  the  latest 
information  available  at  the  time  of  printing,  and  are  subject \
 to  change.  If  a 
part  listed  in  this  manual  is  not  the  same  as  the  part  used \
 in your  vehicle 
when  it  was  built,  or 
if you  have  any  questions,  please  contact  your GM truck 
dealer. 
Engine  Identification 
Liter  Produced  Fuel  VIN 
Displacement  Type 
U.S. TBI  N 
V8  7.4  H.D. 
us. Diesel F V8 6.5 
H.D. U.S. Diesel J V8  6.2 
L. D. us. Diesel C V8  6.2 
US., Can. 
TBI K V8 
5.7 
L. D. US., Can. 
TBI  H 
V8 5.0 
U.S. TBI 2 V6 
4.3 
Emissions 
BY 
System 
Engine  Code 
* 
* 
* 
*Light  Duty  Emissions  with  8500  GVWR  and  below  or: 
Heavy  Duty  Emissions  with  8501  GVWR  and  above. 
TO035 
Wheel  Nut  Torque 
MODEL I DESCRIPTION I TORQUE I 
C 1500 5 bolts  (14mm) 120 ft. Ibs.  (160 Nmm) 
K 1500 & C-K  2500 6 bolts  f14mm) 120 ft. Ibs. (1 60  N.m) 
C-K 
2500 (w/C6P)  8 bolts  (14mm)  120 ft. Ibs.  (160  Nmm) 
C-K  3500  Single  Rear  Wheels  8 bolts  (14mm)  120 
ft. Ibs. 
(1 60 N-m) 
C3500 Dual  Rear  Wheels 
8 bolts  (14mm)  140 ft. Ibs.  (190 
N-m) 
C3500  HD  -Front 
5 bolts  (5/8  in.) 175 ft. Ibs.  (240  Nsm) 
TO040 
--Rear 
10 bolts  (5/8  in.) 
6-95 
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23. EXHAUST  PRESSURE  REGULATOR  VALVE INSPECTION* -Check that 
the  valve  works  properly.  Correct  any  binding.  Inspect  hoses  fo\
r  cracks,  chafing  or  decay.  Replace  parts  as  needed. 
24. 
TIRE  AND  WHEEL  ROTATION  AND  INSPECTION -For  proper  wear 
and  maximum  tire  life,  rotate  tires  at  the  first 
6,000 miles  (1 0 000 
kilometers)  for  Schedule I (t) or  7,500  miles  (12  500  kilometers)  for 
Schedule 
II (.) and  then  every  15,000  miles  (25 000 kilometers) 
thereafter.  Follow  the  instructions  and  patterns  shown  in Section  6. 
Check  tires  for  uneven  wear  or  damage. 
If irregular  or  premature  wear is 
apparent,  check  wheel  alignment.  Also,  check  for  damaged  wheels.\
  See 
“Tires” in the  Index  for  more  information. 
For  dual  wheels,  whenever  the  vehicle,  wheels,  or  fasteners  are new, 
have  the  wheel  fastener  torque  set  at  the first  100, 
1,000 and  6,000 
miles  (160,  1600  and  10 
000 km). 
For  3500  H.D.  Models,  block  the  tires  opposite  those  being  removed  to 
keep  the  vehicle  from  rolling. 
25. 
DRIVE  AXLE  SERVICE -Check  readfront axle  fluid  level  and  add  as 
needed.  Check  constant  velocity  joints  and  axle  seals  for  leaki\
ng. 
Locking differential-Drain  fluid at  first  oil  change  and  refill.  Check 
fluid  level  and  add  as  needed  at  subsequent  oil changes. 
In dusty 
areas,  or  trailer  towing  applications  drain  fluid  at  every  15,0\
00  miles 
(24 135  kilometers)  and  refill$ 
every  oil  change.  In dusty  areas,  or trailer  towing  applications,  drain 
fluid  every  15,000  miles 
(24 135  kilometers)  and  refi1l.t 
More  frequent  lubrication  may  be required  on  heavy-duty or off-road 
use. 
Standard  differential  -Check fluid  level  and  add  as  needed  at 
26. 
BRAKE  SYSTEM  INSPECTION -When  the  engine  oil  is changed, 
inspect  the  lines  and  hoses  for  proper  hookup,  binding,  leaks, \
 cracks, 
chafing,  etc.  Check  the  parking brake  adjustment,  and  the  fluid level  in 
the  master  cylinder. 
A low  fluid  level  can  indicate  worn  disc  brake  pads 
which  may  need  to be  sewiced.t 
*An  Emission  Control  Service 
tA  fluid 
loss in these  systems  may  indicate a problem.  Have  them 
inspected  and  repaired  at once. 
7-2 
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