1985-1987 Chevrolet One-Ton Truck 3500 Specifications

by Dan Boone

In the 1970s and 1980s, Chevy pickup trucks were referred to as C/Ks. The C designated a two-door, while the K indicated a four-door. In the early 1980s, Chevrolet changed features of its pickups, a process that continued through the decade. In the years 1985 to 1987, Chevrolet's one-ton 3500 was known as a solid performer. General Motors changed the C/K name to to R/V in 1987.

Engine

In the 1970s, Chevy had a 185-horsepower, 400-cubic-inch, 6.6-liter, small-block V8. This changed in the 1980s, when the 151-horsepower 379-cubic-inch, 6.2-liter engine was introduced with a Detroit Diesel V8. In 1985, a 262-cubic-inch 4.3-liter LBI replaced all in-line V6 engines on the Chevrolet one-ton 3500 model. Chevy introduced the new 262-cubic-inch 4.3-liter engine that year, and a 305-cubic-inch (5-liter) small-block V8 was added as an option. Fuel injection was added in 1987, and independent front suspension with 7.4 V8 engine.

Design

Chevy's CK trucks got a face-lift in the 1980s. Changes were made to the grilles and hood, creating a shorter and flatter look for the Chevy 3500. Square headlamps were fitted with halogen bulbs. Turn signals were placed on the bumper. Chrome front bumpers were standard. A square body was featured, and a long bed was added. A crew cab and "bonus cab" were also options on the 1985 to 1987 Chevy 3500.

More Features

1987 was a transitional year for Chevy's one-ton trucks and the 3500 model. New versions were released, which included a Fleetside cab and and a Stepside single-cab.

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