1976 Chevrolet K-10 Specifications

by Misty Barton

Chevrolet originally used letters and numbers to signify truck drive type and size. The letter K meant that the truck was four-wheel drive, and the number 10 meant that the truck was a half-ton. In 1973, Chevrolet adopted a new design for its pickups. This body style, known as the rounded line, was used for both C and K line pickups through 1987.

Body Style

The body style used in 1976 had a thicker frame than pre-1973 models. The fuel tank was also moved outside of the cab, but its location on the frame was altered in the 1980s when it proved a fire hazard. The year 1973 was the first year the truck was available in a Crew Cab, which continued to be available in 1976. The year 1976 was the first year the engine size was not found on an emblem in the grill. The cab was equipped with a bench seat to carry three passengers.

Engine

The standard engine in the 1976 K-10 was a 250-cc, inline, six-cylinder engine capable of producing 100 horsepower at 3,600 RPMs. It had a maximum torque of 175 foot-pounds at 2,000 RPMs. A 292-cc, inline, six-cylinder engine was also available. It produced 120 horsepower at 3,600 RPMs and 225 foot-pounds at 2,000 RPMs. Three V8 engines were also available: a 307 capable of producing 115 horsepower at 3,600 RPMs and 205 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 RPMs, a 350 capable of producing 155 horsepower at 3,600 RPMs and 225 foot-pounds at 2,000 RPMs, and a 454 capable of producing 240 horsepower at 4,000 RPMs and 355 foot-pounds of torque at 2,800 RPMs.

Transmission and Transfer Case

Both automatic and manual transmissions were available in the 1976 K-10. The automatic transmission in the 1976 was a three-speed turbo-hydromatic. All trucks with an automatic transmission were also equipped with a NP203 transfer case and full-time four-wheel drive. The manual transmission used in K-10s was a three-speed saginaw. All trucks with manual transmissions were equipped with NP205 transfer cases and four-wheel drive which must be activated.

Dimensions

The 1976 shortbed Chevy truck had a 6-foot bed-length, a wheelbase of 117.5 inches and a total length of 191.3 inches. The 1976 longbed K-10s had an 8-foot bed-length, a wheelbase of 131.5 inches and a total length of 212 inches. K-10s had a front track width of 65.75 inches and a rear track width of 62.7 inches. The truck's total standard height was 72 inches.

Suspension

The 1976 K-10 had rear leaf springs rather than the coil springs used in previous models. It also had rear shocks which were staggered to improve overall ride.

References

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