1988 GMC 1500 SLE Sierra 4x4 Long Bed Pickup

Twenty years ago mid-70's square body trucks were not high on the collectible totem pole.  Terms like “you couldn't give them away” and “a dime a dozen” are used now as we watch the market for C10's and C15's skyrocket faster than anyone imagined.  So, while a 1988 Sierra might still seem pedestrian and common, it's quickly reaching classic status as fewer and fewer are on the road or in usable condition.  In 10 years, watch the values shadow the 70's decade trucks, then the 60's era, and beyond. 

For consignment, a 1 owner garage kept 1988 GMC 1500 SLE Sierra 4x4 long bed with a title verified 58,948 actual miles.  There's no reason why this truck couldn't be put into service, be it on a farm, construction site, or as your suburban Costco runner.  On the other hand, keep it clean and you'll have a classic in a few short years! 

Exterior
Cranberry is a good name for maroon paint and that's the color of our 1500.  The flat front fascia is underscored by dual headlights, equal length marker lights, and a black grille in a chrome grille surround over the chrome bumper.  This truck has the addition of a bug deflector which rockets incoming insects skyward and over the windshield.  Chrome side mirrors are large, and the truck sits high on 16-inch steel wheels with 75 series tires, while the long bed out back has a rubber liner and diamond plate front wall.  Above it is a sliding rear window behind a standard cab.  4x4 is emblazoned on the outer bed sides and a reflective GMC logo is set in the center on the tailgate.  The rear bumper is chrome with black plastic step covers.  GMC appears again on four mud flaps that keep rocks and dirt from impacting the paint.  Overall, the paint is in good condition.  The bed shows signs of usage and the tailgate has a scratch on the aluminum panel and chips on the bottom crease.  A dent in the back corner above the body molding has been touched up with some unmatched paint. 

Interior
Door panels of varying shades of dark red are uncomplicated and clean, possessing electric switches for the locks and windows.  The cloth red bench seat with belts for three is in great shape and patterned in padded vertical sections.  The standard black steering wheel in good condition shares the tilt column with the shifter and fronts a basic GMC dashboard with round gauges that register with gray bars instead of needles.  A simple AM/FM/Cassette radio and its electronic screen is integrated into the dash just above the A/C controls with a similar electronic screen.  And by electronic screens, we're talking green digital read-outs, not full color touch screens.  The cassette receptacle for the radio stands alone in the center of the dash.  On the floor, we find a stout range selector in a plastic base over dark red low pile carpet, all in great shape.  The velour red headliner shows some sag and detachment but otherwise intact. 

Drivetrain
A very clean appearing 350ci V8 is under the hood and has electronic fuel injection and a horsepower rating of 210.  A 700R4, perhaps the most widely used GM 4-speed automatic transmission, is under the center hump and sends power first to the rear wheels and a 10-bolt axle.  Other configurations are available with range selector.  Power brakes, disc front, drum rear, are employed by the truck.  

Undercarriage
Relatively clean and dry underneath and definitely indicative of a garaged truck.  Some surface rust but nothing like a 1988 that's seen regular use.  A single exhaust finds a stock style muffler and then travels the length to exit via twin tailpipes behind the right rear tire.  Torsion bar suspension is found in front with leaf springs in the back.  We note some fluid on the front differential and a drop or two on the floor pan just above the large drive shaft off the transfer case.  No major concerns underneath. 

Drive-Ability
As the owner of a 1992 GMC, this is a familiar perch.  The V8 fires up and with the interior simplicity, we're transported back to 1988.  No traction control, no lane assist, cruise control on the stalk.  It's wonderfully basic, runs well, and has great visibility.  No Journey will be coming from the radio however, as we find it inoperable.  

Plow truck, grocery getter, winter beater, cruise night chariot.  There are so many possibilities with this truck and in this condition with these miles, it is becoming harder to find each year.  We list regular trucks because there's a demand for them and they usually don't last, so contact your friendly Car Specialist today!

1GTDK14K0JE519356

1-USA
G-General Motors
T-GMC Truck
D-5001-6000 GVWR
K-4wd
1-1/2 Ton
4-2 Door Pickup
K-350ci TBI V8
0-Check Digit
J-1988
E-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
519356-Sequential Unit Number

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