The Major Differences in ’88-’98 OBS Chevy Trucks

Chris Stafford @CK Syndicate . September 07, 2021 . Department .

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What Is The Major Differences in ’88-’98 OBS Chevy Trucks?

In my opinion, 1988 was the exact year that jump-started the street chevy trucks era with the release of the all-new re-designed GM trucks commonly known as the OBS (Original Body Style or Old Body Style).

This redesign by GM officially made a truck more than just a tool on the farm. It sparked the creation of an entire culture of automotive enthusiasts, and the street truck/sport truck movement was born.

The GMT400 is said to have influenced GM designers long after they were no longer produced, and for good reason! We believe to this day they are the best-looking trucks on the road, we may be a little biased though!

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Throughout its 10+ years of production, these trucks just kept getting better and better in terms of design, comfort, reliability, power and safety.

Although GM made a ton of changes both cosmetically and mechanically to the GMT400 trucks, we’ll hit the high points of the changes made throughout the years in the evolution of the OBS Chevy.

We wanted to break down all the biggest and best changes between the ’88-’94 and ’94-’98 obs chevy trucks. If you’re curious about the OBS Chevy years, this breakdown will guide you through every important model update..

What Exactly Is an OBS? (Old Body Style or Original Body Style)

So, what does OBS Chevy mean? The term OBS (Old Body Style or Original Body Style) refers to Chevy C/K trucks that were manufactured by General Motors between the years of 1988 and 1998. Marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC brands, the C/K series included a wide range of vehicles including a chevy truck and two SUV models.

While most commonly associated with pickup trucks, the model line also included medium-duty and heavy trucks. “C” denoted a two-wheel drive; “K” denoted four-wheel drive.

’88-’98 Chevy 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 models, each in either 2WD or 4WD drive-lines. Three trim levels were available for these trucks including Cheyenne, Scottsdale and Silverado.

1990 Red Chevy — In 1990 GM retired the dual glass headlights in favor of a composite headlight with a serviceable bulb.

Chevy Seats — This is also when Chevy began offering their high back bucket seats as an option.

1990 Chevy 454 SS — However, the most notable thing from the year 1990 was GM’s release of the 454 SS, Sport and Sierra GT packages, all of which are highly sought after now.

Chevy Steering — In 1992 GM redesigned the gauge cluster, which included a tachometer.

1990 Chevy 454 SS truck — 1993 was the last year for the **454 SS**, Sport and Sierra GT packages and the first and only year for one of GM’s rarest production trucks ever made the Indianapolis 500 Pace Truck package. GM only produced a little over 1,500, making the Indy Pace truck one of the rarest GM Production trucks ever to roll off the assembly line.

I love these trucks as well. I actually own a ‘93 stepside and still daily drive it. — Reddit user, r/regularcarreviews

Controlled transmission — In 1993, GM also went to an electronically controlled transmission, better known as the 4L60, for improved reliability.

Chevrolet Truck — In 1994, both Chevrolet and GMC trucks across the board received a facelift via a re-designed grille and the addition of a third brake light option for safety. A cargo lamp was now standard.

GMT400 Interior — 1995 brought the GMT400 to an entirely new level with a completely redesigned interior that included a driver’s side airbag and optional CD player for added safety and convenience. The interior door panels received a noticeable re-design as well.

Throughout its 10+ years of production, these trucks just kept getting better and better in terms of design, comfort, reliability, power and safety.

GMT400 Steering

GMT400 Door

GMT400 Inner Intrior

Chevy breakaway style mirror — 1995 also brought the newer style composite breakaway style mirrors.

Vortec line of engines for OBS trucks — Quite possibly the best update to the OBS came in 1996, more power! Enter the Vortec line of engines for **OBS trucks** via central port fuel injection, roller cam, higher compression ratio, better flowing heads and an all-around better engine.

OBS Chevy Extended Cab — Aside from that, GM introduced an optional third door for the extended cab trucks. If you’ve ever tried to climb in the back seat of an extended cab OBS, you can definitely appreciate this offering.

Interior on a 88" to 98" Chevy Truck

Push Button Switch Panel — Also an update for the 4×4 guys in 1996 was the push button four wheel drive option.

1997 brought to us the optional passenger side airbag, variable speed assisted steering and better cooling for the 6.5L turbo diesel trucks.

In 1998, a Sport Equipment Package was available on either C/K1500 fleetside shortbed single cab models. The package featured a black grille with red outlined bow-tie emblem, black moldings outlined in red, body color front and rear bumpers, black mirrors and “SPORT” identification decals on the box and on the tailgate. There were no suspension or engine upgrades provided with any of the sport packages as this was an appearance only option.

Notable Moments in the C/K Timeline

1988 Trucks

OBS Chevy The Work Truck (W/T) was introduced in 1988, which featured a single cab long bed with Cheyenne trim and a new grille with black bumpers. Check out a tech article for this Chevy!

’88-’95 Trucks

Throttle body (TBI) fuel injection Throttle body fuel injection (TBI) was used on ‘88-’95 gas engines.

Read More: 100 YEARS OF CHEVY TRUCKS | Part 1

’96-’00 Trucks

CPI (central point injection) was used on the ‘96-’00 4.3L-V6, 5.0L-V8, 5.7L-V8

1997 Trucks

1997 C/K Silverado 1997 was the last year the C/K Silverado would display ‘CHEVROLET’ on the tailgate, marking the end of an era for the OBS Silverado.

1998 Chevy Trucks

Pass Lock II system with a security light

In 1998, to circumvent the rise in auto thefts, GM introduced the Pass Lock II system with a “security” light on the dash to the ’88 to ’98 OBS Chevy Trucks.