1987 Chevrolet Pickup with Manual Column Shifter

The 1987 Chevrolet Pickup with manual column shifter is a classic American workhorse featuring a three-speed manual transmission controlled via a column-mounted shifter, robust V6 or V8 engine options, rear-wheel drive, durable truck chassis, and traditional cab design. Below are key sections for specifications, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Key Features 3. Transmission Operation 4. Controls and Instrumentation 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Driving Tips 7. Troubleshooting 8. Safety Information

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical details for the 1987 Chevrolet Pickup with manual column shifter.

Specification	Details
Engine Options	4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8
Transmission	3-speed manual column shift
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Cab Configuration	Regular cab, 3-passenger seating
Bed Length	6.5 ft or 8 ft options
Fuel Capacity	16-20 gallons
GVWR	4,600 - 6,200 lbs
Braking System	Front disc, rear drum

Key Features

Distinctive characteristics of the 1987 Chevrolet Pickup with column shifter.

Column-Mounted Shifter: Three-speed manual transmission controlled via steering column lever
Durable Construction: Steel body-on-frame design
Comfort Features: AM/FM radio, vinyl bench seat, manual windows
Towing Capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs with proper equipment
Payload Capacity: 1,500 - 2,000 lbs depending on configuration
Instrument Cluster: Analog gauges including speedometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure

Transmission Operation

Operating the manual column shifter system.

Gear Pattern: Reverse (up), Neutral (middle), 1st (down), 2nd (middle), 3rd (up)
Starting Procedure: Depress clutch, shift to neutral, start engine, select 1st gear
Shifting Technique: Smooth clutch engagement, match engine RPM to gear selection
Reverse Gear: Complete stop required, lift collar on shifter to engage
Neutral Position: Middle position for engine starting and idling

WARNING! Always depress clutch fully when shifting. Do not force shifter.

Controls and Instrumentation

Dashboard and control layout.

Control	Function
Column Shifter	Gear selection (R, N, 1, 2, 3)
Clutch Pedal	Disengages transmission for shifting
Steering Wheel	Tilt-adjustable, horn control
Instrument Cluster	Speed, fuel, temp, oil pressure, battery
Headlight Switch	Pull-knob on dashboard
Wiper Control	Multi-speed rotary switch
Heater Controls	Manual levers for temperature and fan

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Transmission Fluid: Check every 6,000 miles
Clutch Adjustment: Inspect every 15,000 miles
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Brake Inspection: Every 10,000 miles
Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 miles
Lubrication: Chassis points every 3,000 miles

CAUTION! Use only recommended fluids. Consult service manual for specific requirements.

Driving Tips

Optimal operation techniques.

Hill Starts: Use parking brake to prevent rollback
Downshifting: Match RPMs when downshifting for smooth operation
Load Management: Use lower gears when carrying heavy loads
Cold Weather: Allow extra warm-up time in cold conditions
Fuel Economy: Maintain steady speeds, avoid rapid acceleration

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard shifting	Low transmission fluid	Check and fill transmission fluid
Clutch slippage	Worn clutch disc	Inspect and replace clutch components
Gear grinding	Clutch not fully disengaging	Adjust clutch linkage
Shifter loose	Worn linkage bushings	Replace shift linkage components
Stuck in gear	Linkage binding	Lubricate and inspect shift mechanism

Safety Information

Important safety considerations.

Seat Belts: Always wear seat belts - lap belts standard
Load Limits: Do not exceed GVWR ratings
Braking Distance: Allow extra stopping distance when loaded
Child Safety: Children should ride in appropriate restraints
Maintenance: Regular inspection of brakes, tires, and steering

WARNING! This vehicle lacks modern safety features like airbags and ABS. Drive defensively.